Shifa, SMuthu, M SAmarlal, DRathna Prabhu, V2008-12-152009-06-022008-12-152009-06-022008-12-15Shifa S, Muthu MS, Amarlal D, Rathna Prabhu V. Quantitative assessment of IgA levels in the unstimulated whole saliva of caries-free and caries-active children. Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry. 2008 Dec; 26(4): 158-61http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/115077Saliva is commonly referred to as the blood stream of the oral cavity. It has many functions, one of the major functions being protection of teeth against dental caries. There are many components in saliva, each one having a specific role in the prevention of dental caries. The composition of saliva varies from individual to individual and in the same individual it varies between the glands. The composition of whole saliva, especially when unstimulated, has gained much interest, because it is this which constantly bathes the teeth. The aim of this study was to determine the IgA levels in the unstimulated whole saliva of caries-free and caries-active children aged 3-6 years and to correlate its role in protection of the tooth against dental caries.engChildChild, PreschoolDMF IndexDental Caries --immunologyHumansImmunoglobulin A, Secretory --analysisImmunologic Factors --analysisNephelometry and TurbidimetrySaliva --immunologySalivary Proteins and Peptides --analysisSingle-Blind MethodSpectrophotometryJournal Article