Effect of Tobacco on Unstimulated Salivary pH and Flow Rate

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of smoking (tobacco) and chewing (betel quid) on the alteration of salivary pH and flow rate. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of 45 participants divided into three groups: G1: Chewers (n=15); G2: Smokers (n=15), and G3 (Control): Healthy individuals (n=15). Unstimulated saliva was collected by the passive drooling method. Salivary pH was measured using a pH meter, and flow rate using a micropipette. One-way ANOVA compared groups; a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Statistical significance was observed in the mean salivary flow rate between Chewers (8.0403) vs. Controls (11.5) (p<0.001) as well as Smokers (7.9333) vs. Controls (11.5) (p<0.001). Statistical significance was observed in the mean salivary pH between Chewers (6.6133) vs. Smokers (6.4067) (p=0.007), Chewers (6.6133) vs. Controls (7.31) (p<0.001) as well as Smokers (6.4067) vs. Controls (7.31) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Salivary pH was more acidic in individuals with smoking than those with chewing habits. Flow rate was less in individuals using tobacco (smoking and smokeless) compared to controls. Long-term consumption of tobacco is one of the risk factors for alterations in salivary pH and flow rate.

Keywords

• Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms
• Tobacco Smoking
• Mastication
• Saliva