The present cross-sectional observational study was conducted after the university ethical committee approved the research (NU/CEC/2020/0339). This study included 376 adults in the age group of 18-40Yrs. The patient information sheet briefed the study details and usage of salivary samples. Informed consent was obtained from participants. Healthy individuals free of associated systemic conditions, individuals not under any nutritional supplementation were included in the study, and lactating mothers, smokers, and menopausal women were excluded

The present cross-sectional observational study was conducted after the university ethical committee approved the research (NU/CEC/2020/0339). This study included 376 adults in the age group of 18-40Yrs. The patient information sheet briefed the study details and usage of salivary samples. Informed consent was obtained from participants. Healthy individuals free of associated systemic conditions, individuals not under any nutritional supplementation were included in the study, and lactating mothers, smokers, and menopausal women were excluded.

Further, the subjects were divided into active and caries-free based on caries experience. Two indexing methods were utilized to record the decay status, i.e., Decay, Missing, filled (DMFT) and Pulpal, Ulcerative, Fistula (PUFA) scores. Caries active group was further divided into a High-risk group (DMFT=< 10), Moderate risk (DMFT= 4-9), and Low risk (DMFT=1-3).

Questionnaire: Baseline information was gathered, including specifics on age, sex, height, weight, dietary preferences (non-veg/veg), and dental hygiene practices.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy individuals free of associated systemic conditions
• Individuals not under any nutritional supplementation

Exclusion Criteria:

• lactating mothers
• smokers
• menopausal women

The study population included participants with active dental caries and associated wasting disease of the teeth due to caries

Results