Salivary calcium, potassium and oral health status among smokers and non-smokers : a comparative study

Abstract EN

Background : Smoked tobacco contains various toxic substances which are primarily responsible for oral diseases.

The aim of this study was to estimate salivary electrolytes (calcium and potassium), salivary parameters (pH and flow rate) and oral health status among smokers.

Materials and methods : A sample included 30 healthy subjects, 15 smokers and 15 non-smokers.

Clinical examination of dental caries and gingivitis and stimulated whole saliva were obtained.

Results : Dental caries experience and gingivitis were significantly higher among smokers than non-smokers.

No significant differences were found in mean pH and flow rate between the two groups (P>0.05).

The mean salivary calcium (2.5 ± 1.4 mg / 100ml) and potassium (24.1 ± 4.4 mmol / L) recorded were higher among smokers than non-smokers.

Statistically, the difference was significant regarding potassium only (P>0.0).

Conclusion : Smoking affects some salivary electrolytes.

Dentists have an important role to play in preventing the harmful effects of smoking in the mouth.