Analysis of pH alteration in Saliva of Smokers and Non Smokers- A Clinical Study

Abstract

Background: Tobacco is harmful for health. The effect varies depending upon the type of tobacco used. It is used in either smoking tobacco or non smoking tobacco. The adverse effects of tobacco on oral health have been well documented. It has deleterious effect on gingival, periodontium and on teeth. This study was conducted to analyze the effect of tobacco on pH of saliva in study population. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted in department of oral & maxillofacial pathology in year 2015. It consisted of 60 subjects with 30 males and 30 females. They were divided into 3 groups. Group I - containing 20 subjects (10- males, 10- females) that consumed smoke form of tobacco. Group II - containing 20 subjects (10- males, 10- females) that consumed smokeless form of tobacco. Group III - containing healthy subjects (10 - males, 10- females). Saliva collection of each subject was done under resting condition. Salivary pH was determined using the specific salivary pH meter. Results: Group I, group II and group III contained equal number of males (10) and females (10). The difference was non – significant (P > 0.05). Group I had 6.7pH, group II had 6.5pH and group III had 7.2 pH. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). Paired t test showed significant difference in pH of saliva in all three groups. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Saliva plays an important role in maintaining equilibrium in oral cavity. There is an alteration in pH of saliva of tobacco user which may be using smokeless tobacco or smoking tobacco. Smokeless tobacco has more decrease in pH which ultimately leads to gingival and oral diseases