Estimation of Salivary Thiocyanate Levels in Light and Heavy Smokers with Chronic Periodontitis

Abstract

Introduction: Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease reported in adults with multifactorial origins that affects the periodontium. In addition to the direct etiological impact of the microorganisms involved, cigarette smoking and tobacco chewing are considered to be the most important environmental risk factors. Periodontitis is common and severe in smokers, characterized by deep periodontal pockets, attachment loss, and furcation defects. Human saliva has been recently investigated as an alternative to serum for diagnostic purposes due to its non-invasiveness and lower risk of infection. To estimate and compare salivary thiocyanate levels in light and heavy smokers with chronic periodontitis and non-smokers with chronic periodontitis and healthy control. Materials and Methods: Total of 60 saliva samples were collected between the age group of 20 and 50 years males and grouped as: Group 1: normal control (n = 15); Group 2: light smokers with chronic periodontitis (n = 15); Group 3: heavy smokers with chronic periodontitis (n = 15); Group 4: non-smokers with chronic periodontitis (n = 15). Whole saliva sample were collected and centrifuged and total salivary thiocyanate (SCN) levels were analyzed using Spectrophometer at 450 nm. Results: The mean salivary total SCN levels show that they are higher in heavy smokers with chronic periodontitis when compared to light smokers and non-smokers with chronic periodontitis. Conclusion: Salivary SCN level stands out as a useful marker of periodontal tissue destruction, proving to be a promising diagnostic marker, and it is a biochemical indicator of cigarette smokers.