pH values and mineral content of saliva in different breeds of dogs

Saliva is an important fluid in the oral cavity as it bathes the teeth and the soft tissues. The salivary pH, buffer capacity and mineral content of calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are important in the tooth de/remineralization process and in calculus formation. This study demonstrates that salivary pH, buffer capacity and concentrations of Ca, K, and Na are higher in dogs compared to human saliva. Conversely, P concentration was lower compared to mean value in human saliva. The pH values and buffer capacity were similar in all tested breeds, except for Labrador Retrievers which had higher concentration of P, Ca, Na and K compared to Dachshunds and Jack Russell Terriers (P<0.05 for Na and K). These physiological parameters may reflect the differences in dental pathology encounter by different breeds of dogs and also compared to human. It is conceivable that these physiological conditions account for the few dental caries but high accumulation of calculus in dogs and the relative high prevalence of gingivitis found in the dog population.