The buffering capacity and flow rate of stimulated whole saliva were assessed in 150 persons, 20–24 yr of age. The associations were assessed between the buffer value and the flow rate, some dietary factors, tobacco habits, use of oral contraceptives, and some demographic variables. The results demonstrate that a low flow rate may predict a low buffer value but not a high value. Flow rate accounted for the largest part of the buffering variation but morning and afternoon saliva sampling, female gender, food consumption between meals, and smoking seem to have‐contributed to low buffering values. Snuff‐taking habits, oral contraceptives, and protein consumption between meals were not associated with the buffering cap