The role of smoking with some salivary parameters, dental caries and gingivitis

Abstract

Back ground: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of smoking on oral health including the caries rate and gingival conditions, and salivary parameters.Materials and Methods: This study done on 50 healthy volunteers, 25 smokers and 25-non-smokers. Dental caries was recorded using DMFS (Decayed, Missed, and Filled) surfaces index teeth and gingival parameter recorded by G.I (gingival index). Stimulated saliva was collected before clinical measurement then salivary pH estimated by using pH meter.Results: The statistical analysis for the DMFS in both smokers and non smokers groups showed no significant difference in mean 0.48 (P>0.05). This is corresponds with the salivary pH and flow rate in both smokers and non- smokers groups 0.75, 0.91 respectively (P>0.05) and similar to the result of GI between both groups 0.37 (P>0.05).Conclusion: the long term use of the tobacco smoking have not any effect on the dental caries and not cause any changes in the salivary flow rate and salivary pH, and not give rise to any remarkable gingival changes.