Table 1 Characteristics of the participants (used in the analysis) at baseline

Sex

Male

Female

Comparison versus experimental group

Experimental group

Comparison group

Baseline caries

Without caries (ICDAS 0)

With caries (ICDAS 1–6)

Salivary pH at baseline

 < 6 (low)

 ≥ 6 (high)

Salivary flow rate per 5 min at baseline

 < 5 ml (low)

 ≥ 5 ml (high)

Total buffering capacity at baseline

 < 9 (low)

 ≥ 9 (high)

Salivary MS levels at baseline

 ≥ 10^5 CFU/ml saliva (high risk)

 < 10^5 CFU/ml saliva (low risk)

Salivary LB levels at baseline

 ≥ 10^5 CFU/ml saliva (high risk)

 < 10^5 CFU/ml saliva (low risk)

Salivary yeast counts

Moderate or heavy

None or light