Comparative Evaluation of Salivary Flow Rate in Smokers and Non Smokers: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Saliva is a complex and significant body fluid which is exceptionally fundamental for oral health and is the most effectively available fluid in the human body. Structural and function changes in saliva occur when it is exposed to cigarette smoke that contains several toxic components and is known to be one of the main risk factors for developing numerous oral conditions. There are conflicting reports about the correlation between cigarette smoking and mouth dryness. Additionally, there is paucity of studies to investigate the Salivary Flow Rate (SFR) in smokers in India. Aim: To assess the salivary flow rate in smokers and non smokers and also to study the effect of duration and frequency of smoking habit on SFR. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in which unstimulated whole saliva of 50 smokers and 50 non smokers visiting Outpatient Department (OPD) at Mahatma Gandhi Vidyamandir’s, Karmaveer Bhausaheb Hiray Dental College and Hospital Nashik, Maharashtra, India, was from January 2019 to January 2020. Unstimulated SFR was measured and expressed in mL/minute using a graduated glass tube. Comparison of SFR was done among the smokers and non smokers using Unpaired t-test. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test was used to compare the frequency and duration of smoking habit and SFR among smokers. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction (p-value <0.0001) in the salivary flow rate of smokers in comparison to non smokers. It was also observed that there was reduction in salivary flow rate with increase in the duration (p-value <0.001) and frequency (p-value=0.012) of tobacco smoking habit. Conclusion: Salivary flow rate is significantly reduced in smokers when compared to non smokers. The duration and frequency of smoking habit had a significant impact on the reduction in SFR. Reduced SFR has a high impact on oral health and may further lead to several oral complications. Therefore, measures should be taken by counseling the smokers to quit the habit and educating them about the ill-effects of xerostomia.