Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part A (2019)

The Snyder test measures the time required for the Lactobacilli in the saliva test sample to produce a degree of acidity which causes a particular colour change of the indicator. Application of Snyder’s test seems to be especially useful in the fields of orthodontics, in the preventive dentistry for children and in public health surveys. One hundred school children of 4-14 years age group were randomly selected. Informed consent was obtained from the parents of the children before conducting the study. The saliva sample was collected by spitting method and the Snyder test was performed.in this study the caries experience was found to be significantly more in children who showed marked changes in the colour indicating a high degree of correlation of Snyder test with caries Index.

Aims: To study the caries susceptibility and reliability of Snyder test to assess caries susceptibility in school children

Settings and Design: One hundred school children of 4-14 years age group were randomly selected. Informed consent was obtained from the parents of the children before conducting the study.

Methods and Material: The collection of saliva was made under similar conditions at the same time. The patients were instructed to take lunch and drink water at 11 am and not to consume anything after that. The saliva was collected for the Snyder test.

Statistical analysis used: The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 11.5 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Ill.).

Results: With decrease in pH of the saliva the children are more susceptible to dental caries. At ph above 6, children did not show any change in colour, demonstrating that as the pH of saliva is increased or towards normal the tendency towards dental caries decreases

Conclusions: The caries experience was found to be significantly more in children who showed marked changes in the colour indicating a high degree of correlation of Snyder test with DMFT/dmft Index.