Evaluation of the Relationship Between the Secretion of ABO Blood Groups Antigens in Saliva and DMFS Caries Index

The antigenic or carbohydrate structure of blood groups in body fluids and cell surfaces plays a major role in regulation of oral bacteria. In addition, a large number of carbohydrates act as the microorganisms’ receptors. Thus, secretion of these antigens in body fluids creates a competitive condition between these antigens and epithelial cells of the oral cavity to be the receptors of microorganisms. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the secretor phenotype of blood groups and dental caries.
This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted on 92 dental students. The secretion status of blood group antigens in saliva was detected using aggulutination inhibition test and blood typing was performed through aggulutination test. Besides, dental caries were detected by routine clinical examination using dental mirror, explorer under dental unit light, and Bitewing radiographs. DMFS was also used to evaluate the prevalence of the caries.
DMFS score was 4.11 in all blood groups and 6.00 in non-secretors and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). Besides, a significant difference was found between secretors and non-secretors in O and A blood groups regarding DMFS index (P=0.024 and P=0.019, respectively). However, no significant difference was observed among the 4 blood groups regarding the DMFS index (P=0.28).
The prevalence of dental caries was significantly lower in the secretors of blood group antigens in saliva compared to the non-secretors. This study helps to identify the susceptible individuals to decay and, consequently, take more preventive measures, such as periodic dental checkups.