J Oral Biol Craniofac Res. 2026 May-Jun;16(3):101444. doi: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2026.101444. Epub 2026 Mar 28.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Salivary glycoproteins contribute to enamel protection, lubrication, and microbial regulation, making them useful biochemical indicators of oral health.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of Cocos nucifera oil (CNO) mouthwash on total salivary protein and selected salivary glycoproteins (MUC5B, albumin, globulin, and amylase) in adults with moderate caries over 28 days.
METHODS: In this double-blind, parallel-group randomized trial, 40 adults aged 18-40 years (DMFT >3) were assigned to use either CNO mouthwash (10 mL, 10 min daily) or amine fluoride (AF) mouthwash (15 mL, 1 min daily) for 28 days. Unstimulated saliva was collected at baseline and day 28 to assess total protein, MUC5B, albumin, globulin, and amylase. Salivary glycoproteins and total salivary protein may reflect different aspects of oral biochemical defence and should be interpreted independently. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 23.0. Within-group comparisons were conducted using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, while between-group comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.
RESULTS: Both mouthwashes produced modest biochemical changes after 28 days. CNO resulted in a statistically significant increase in total salivary protein compared with amine fluoride (p = 0.035). No significant between-group differences were observed for MUC5B, albumin, globulin, or amylase.
CONCLUSION: CNO mouthwash produced a modest increase in total salivary protein; however, specific glycoproteins showed no significant changes. These results provide preliminary biochemical evidence only, and no clinical inferences regarding caries prevention or oral defense can be made. Larger trials with clinical endpoints are required.
PMID:41953932 | PMC:PMC13054032 | DOI:10.1016/j.jobcr.2026.101444
