Saliva is one of the most important etiological host factors in relation to dental caries. It affects the carious process by its organic and inorganic constituents; in addition to its physiological functions as (flow rate, pH and buffer capacity). The aims of this study were to determine the concentrations of major elements (calcium and phosphorus) and trace elements (ferrous iron, nickel, chromium and aluminum) in saliva among a group of adolescent girls, and to explore the relation of these

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... ements, flow rate and pH with dental caries. Material & Methods: The study group consisted of 25 girls with an age of 13-15 years old. Dental caries was diagnosed by both clinical and radiographical examinations following the criteria of D1-4MFS index. Stimulated saliva was collected from patients between 9-11 Am under standarized conditions, and chemically analyzed to determine the concentration of calcium, nickel, chromium and aluminum by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, while salivary phosphorus and ferrous iron were determined by using colorimetric method. The average salivary flow rate was measured from total volume, and salivary pH was determined using digital pH meter. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 19. Results: All elements measured in saliva in addition to P/Ca ratio recorded statistically non significant correlation with DMFS, except ferrous Fe ions which showed statistically significant correlation (r= 0.34, P=0.05). Salivary flow rate and pH correlated weakly and statistically not significant with DMFS There were weak and statistically not significant correlations between all elements measured in saliva and salivary flow rate and pH. Conclusions: It had been found that Fe, Ni, Al and Cr ions present in very small amounts in saliva in comparison to Ca and P ions. The presence of these elements in saliva may indicate their presence in food, water and air. Key words: Trace elements, salivary pH and flow rate, caries severity. (J Bagh Coll Dentistry 2013; 25(1):171-175).