SALIVARY pH AS A MARKER OF CARIOGENIC RISK IN SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN WITH INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSON STATUS

Under conditions of martial law and forced migration, the pediatric population of Ukraine is exposed to potent stress factors. Chronic psycho-emotional stress in children with Internally Displaced Person (IDP) status causes systemic homeostatic disruptions, which manifest in the functional state of the salivary glands. A shift in the acid-base balance of oral fluid constitutes a key pathogenetic mechanism of enamel demineralization, particularly during the age period of its incomplete maturation (10-13 years). The aim of this study was to determine and compare hydrogen ion concentration (pH) indicators in the oral fluid of IDP children aged 10- 13 years and their peers permanently residing in the Ternopil region, depending on the status of hard dental tissues. A total of 192 schoolchildren aged 10-13 years were examined at educational institutions in the city of Ternopil and the surrounding region. Two groups were formed: the main group (62 children with IDP status) and the comparative group (130 children, permanent residents of the region). Oral fluid pH determination was performed using «Hydrion 9800» test strips (USA) without stimulation of salivation. Statistical analysis was performed using the χ2 test and Student’s t-test in the SPSS 26.0 software package. A significant homeostatic imbalance of oral fluid was established in IDP children. Among patients of the main group with dental caries, an acidic environment (pH