Salivary Thiocyanate, Uric Acid and pH as Biomarkers of Periodontal Disease in Tobacco Users and Non-Users- An In-Vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: Biomarkers of tobacco exposure are used to confirm the absorption of specific smoke constituents in a quantitative manner. Materials and Methods: Periodontal status was measured by Community periodontal Index (WHO). Salivary thiocyanate was determined using spectrophotometric analysis, Salivary uric acid concentration was determined using the enzymatic uric acid assay reagent. pH was measured using pH strips. Results: Proportion of participants with periodontal pockets of 4-5mm was highest among tobacco smokers (80.0%) and periodontal pockets of 6mm or more were observed to be higher among tobacco chewers (26.67%). When LOA scores among tobacco chewers were recorded 26.7% of them presented with attachment loss of 0-3mm. 46.7% of them were affected with loss of attachment of 4-5mm and loss of attachment 6-8mm was found in 16.7%. 6.7% of them were found to be having loss of attachment of 9-11mm. 3.3% of them were found to be having loss of attachment of 12mm or more. The LOA scores in non- tobacco users showed 46.7% of 0-3mm, 50.0% of 4-5mm and 3.33% of 6-8mm attachment loss. The mean level of thiocyanate level detected in saliva of tobacco smokers was 172 ± 54.7 µg/ml and 203.70± 45.7 µg/ml in tobacco chewers. The mean uric acid levels was found to be 2.54 ±0.63 (µg/dl) in smokers and 2.65 ± 0.37(µg/dl) in chewers and in non tobacco users it was 2.33 ± 0.47 µg/dl. Conclusion: Tobacco users had significantly higher concentration of SCN levels than non-users.

Keywords

• detoxification product
• periodontium
• saliva