Salivary Buffering Capacity
The ability of saliva to neutralise acids produced by cariogenic bacteria, thereby resisting a drop in plaque and salivary pH.
Full Definition
Salivary buffering capacity is a measurable biochemical property of whole or parotid saliva, assessed using titrimetric or colorimetric methods such as the Dentobuff Strip. It is an important variable in caries susceptibility research, as low buffering capacity correlates with increased enamel demineralisation risk. Research manuscripts should specify the method used to assess buffering capacity and report results against validated reference ranges (low, medium, or high). Editors should verify that 'buffering capacity' is not conflated with 'buffer content' or 'salivary flow rate', which are related but distinct parameters. The term is often assessed alongside sialometry in xerostomia and dry-mouth studies.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish clearly from salivary flow rate; the two are correlated but measure different phenomena and require different analytical methods.
In Context
- "Salivary buffering capacity was classified as low, medium, or high using the Dentobuff Strip method at each study visit." — Clinical study methods section
- "The author's substitution of 'salivary pH' for 'salivary buffering capacity' in the discussion was flagged as a conceptual error by the copy-editor." — Manuscript review