Oral Pathological Conditions Research Articles

Dental disease in a 15th-17th centuries skeletal sample of enslaved Africans (Lagos, Portugal)

ObjectiveDental disease is frequently used as a proxy for diet and overall health of individuals of past populations. The aim of this study is to investigate dental disease in a sample of enslaved African individuals recovered from an urban dump (15th-17th centuries) in Lagos, Portugal. DesignIn all, 81 African individuals (>12 years old) were analysed (19 males, 49 females, and 13 of unknown sex), in a total of 2283 alveoli, 2061 teeth, and 2213 interdental septa. Analysed oral pathologies include dental caries, periodontal disease, and ante-mortem tooth loss. Dental wear was also recorded. ResultsDental caries affected 52.0 % of the teeth, although only 31.9 % were cavitated lesions. In all, 96.3 % of the individuals presented at least one cariogenic lesion. Gingivitis and periodontitis were recorded in 56.7 % and 19.0 % of the septa, respectively. Only one male individual had all septal areas healthy. Ante-mortem tooth loss was recorded in 38.3 % of the individuals, in a total of 96 teeth lost (4.2 %). Regarding occlusal wear, 70.8 % of the surfaces were recorded with grades 1–3. ConclusionsThe frequencies of the oral pathological conditions observed may not only reflect a cariogenic diet (rich in starches and with a high frequency of meals) but also the conditions during the maritime voyage of the first victims of the North Atlantic slave trade (xerostomia due to lack of water, sea sickness and vomiting, vitamin C deficiency, poor hygiene), and also the impact intentional dental modifications had on the dentitions.

The Relevant Oral Burden of Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Interleukin-17 plays a pivotal role in both hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and in maintaining oral homeostasis, but their potential link remains unknown. Thus, we aimed to evaluate and quantify the oral burden of patients with HS. In this real-life, multicenter, cross-sectional study, patients with HS were clinically evaluated by two board-certified dermatologists and two board-certified dentists. Oral comorbidities were carefully collected with medical history and therapeutic information. A total of 102 patients (44.0 ± 0.9years, body mass index 27.0 ± 2.2kg/m2) were enrolled. Remarkably, 48% and 43% did not undergo at least an oral hygiene or a dental visit each year, respectively. Oral disorders were found in 55.9% of patients with HS, in particular 39.2% had caries and 46.7% reported at least one missing tooth. The main oral manifestations in patients with HS were recurrent aphthous stomatitis (N = 19, 19.2%), amalgam tattoo (N = 14, 14.1%), leukoplakia (N = 11, 11.1%), nicotinic stomatitis (N = 9, 9.1%), papilloma (N = 8, 8.1%), and geographic tongue (N = 8, 8.1%). Whilst the main predictor of oral pathological conditions was Hurley staging (P = 0.0276), multivariate regression analysis indicated that gender and International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4) were the main predictors for the presence of caries and number of missing teeth. As a result of the relevant oral burden in patients with HS, dentists should be part of the multidisciplinary team and oral education should be promoted among patients with HS.

ÇOCUKLARDA GÖRÜLEN KİSTLER: VAKA SERİSİ

There can be a wide variety and prevalence of oral pathological conditions in children that can differ from adults in terms of symptoms and clinical course. This case presentation aims to raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of oral pathological lesions in pediatric patients. In three patients, two boys and one girl aged between 10 and 14, diagnosed with the radicular cyst, odontogenic keratocyst, and odontogenic myxoma, treatments such as marsupialization, enucleation, and enucleation with the associated impacted tooth were performed based on the size and type of the lesions. Postoperative follow-up of the patients is ongoing. Knowing pediatric oral lesions is crucial for accurate and differential diagnosis. When determining the treatment approach for these lesions in children, factors such as ongoing maxillofacial development, high osteogenic activity, and potential cooperation issues should be taken into consideration.

Cerebral abscesses with odontogenic origin: a population-based cohort study

ObjectivesRecent studies have indicated that cerebral abscess (CA) patients with odontogenic origin are on the rise. However, CA patients are often poorly characterized and with an unknown etiologic background. The purpose of this study is to identify and characterize CA patients that may have an odontogenic origin based on microbiologic, radiographic, and/or clinical findings.Materials and methodsThis is a population-based cohort study analyzing retrospective and prospective data from CA patients. Radiographic examinations of panoramic radiographs (PRs) or computed tomography (CT) scans were conducted. CA patients characterized with odontogenic origin required the fulfilment of the following criteria on admission: (1) Oral pathologic conditions were the only bacterial infections present, (2) oral microorganisms were isolated in the purulent exudate from the brain, and (3) radiographically and/or clinical recordings of oral pathologic conditions.ResultsA total of 44 patients could be included in this study of which 25 (57%) were characterized as having CA with a likely odontogenic origin. Type two diabetes (T2D) (p = 0.014) and microorganisms of the Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG) (p < 0.01) were overrepresented in patients with CAs of odontogenic origin.ConclusionsOdontogenic infections may cause CAs to a greater extent than previously assumed. T2D was overrepresented among patients with odontogenic CA. When microorganisms of the SAG were isolated from the brain pus, CA patients had a predisposing odontogenic or sinus infection.Clinical relevanceThe identification of patients with a likely odontogenic CA will contribute to understanding the etiology of the infectious disease and highlighting the importance of preserving oral health.

A Local Desiccant Antimicrobial Agent as an Alternative to Adjunctive Antibiotics in the Treatment of Periodontitis: A Narrative Review.

Periodontitis is one of the most common oral polymicrobial infectious diseases induced by the complex interplay between the altered subgingival microbiota and the host's dysregulated immune-inflammatory response, leading to the initiation of progressive and irreversible destruction of the periodontal tissues and eventually to tooth loss. The main goal of cause-related periodontal therapy is to eliminate the dysbiotic subgingival biofilm in order to arrest local inflammation and further periodontal tissue breakdown. Because, in some cases, subgingival mechanical instrumentation has limited efficiency in achieving those goals, various adjunctive therapies, mainly systemic and locally delivered antimicrobials, have been proposed to augment its effectiveness. However, most adjunctive antimicrobials carry side effects; therefore, their administration should be precociously considered. HybenX® (HY) is a commercial therapeutical agent with decontamination properties, which has been studied for its effects in treating various oral pathological conditions, including periodontitis. This review covers the current evidence regarding the treatment outcomes and limitations of conventional periodontal therapies and provides information based on the available experimental and clinical studies related to the HY mechanism of action and effects following its use associated with subgingival instrumentation and other types of dental treatments.

SALIVARY MELATONIN VALUES SIGNIFICANTLY CORRELATE WITH REDUCED QUALITY OF LIFE IN CHRONIC SPONTANEOUS URTICARIA PATIENTS: A PILOT STUDY.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a dermatological disorder accompanied by itching that greatly affects the quality of life and quality of sleep. Therefore, it is assumed that CSU patients consequently experience reduced melatonin secretion and lower values of serum or salivary melatonin. This pilot study included 20 patients with CSU (chronic urticaria of unknown etiology that lasts for more than 6 weeks) and 10 healthy controls. All subjects were examined by a dermatovenereologist-allergist, as well as an oral pathologist, to exclude oral pathological conditions. Salivary melatonin levels were determined by ELISA and all subjects completed a standardized Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index on the same day they gave a saliva sample for analysis. According to our results, 86% of CSU patients had decreased values of salivary melatonin, and lower salivary melatonin values significantly correlated with a reduced quality of life in CSU patients. This study was the first to analyze melatonin in CSU patients, also suggesting a possible new therapeutic option for the treatment of CSU.

Evaluation of dental demands and needs of people experiencing homelessness in the city of Rome, Italy.

Poor oral health and oral diseases are common among people experiencing homelessness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dental demands and needs of a population of homeless persons in the city of Rome, Italy. The clinical records of 165 homeless patients admitted between October 2020 and October 2021 to the dental service of the Primary Care Services of the Eleemosynaria Apostolica, Vatican City, were retrospectively reviewed. The service employed dentists to evaluate dental needs and oral conditions in patients experiencing homelessness. The main dental and oral pathological conditions were noted. One hundred and sixty-five records of homeless patients were included in the study. The sample consisted in 138 males (76.97%) and 27 females (23.03%) with a mean age of 46.9 years (range 7-85 years). Acute tooth pain was reported by 132 (80%) patients, 42 (25.45%) had edentulism or missing teeth and 18 (10.91%) patients had oral lesions. Both dental and oral pathologies were intercepted and managed in secondary healthcare facilities. Given the specific peculiarities of this vulnerable population, it is important to implement strategies that facilitate the access of persons experiencing homelessness to dental evaluation with a preventive and curative perspective.

Inflammasome Activation in Gingival Epithelial Cells.

Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes that assemble in host cells upon recognition of infection or danger via pattern recognition receptors and/or danger recognition receptors. The assembly of inflammasomes results in the activation of caspase-1 and is followed by the enzymatic maturation and secretion of inflammatory cytokines like interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-18.In the oral cavity, gingival epithelial cells (GECs) line the mucosa and have a barrier role for invading pathogens. In these cells, the NLRP3 inflammasome is the best studied and has been shown to play a role in the inflammatory immune response against a variety of oral pathogens. As such, in order to study gingivitis and other oral pathologic inflammatory conditions, studying the activation of inflammasomes is important. The simplest way to detect inflammasome activation is to detect the activated caspase-1, as well as the secretion of mature IL-1β and IL-18, via ELISA, Western blot, and immunofluorescence techniques.Here we describe the detection of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis in human GECs via these three methods and mention other methods and techniques that we have successfully used together with these in our quest to understand the host-pathogen interaction.

Fluorescence and Photoacoustic Spectroscopy-Based Assessment of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Oral Cancer Together with Machine Learning: A Pilot Study.

The current study reports an integrated approach of machine learning and tryptophan fluorescence and photoacoustic spectral properties to assess the mitochondrial status under oral pathological conditions. The mitochondria in the study were isolated from oral cancer tissues and adjacent normal counterparts, and the corresponding fluorescence and photoacoustic spectra of tryptophan were recorded at 281 nm pulsed laser excitations. A set of features were selected from the pre-processed spectra and were used to classify the data using support vector machine (SVM) learning in the MATLAB platform. SVM analysis demonstrated clear differentiation between mitochondria isolated from normal and cancer tissues for fluorescence (sensitivity, 86.6%; specificity, 90%) and photoacoustic (sensitivity, 86.6%; specificity, 96.6%) measurements. Further investigation into the influence of change in protein conformation on the nature of tryptophan spectral properties was evaluated by 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonic acid (ANS) fluorescence assay. The impact of protein structural changes on the mitochondrial functions was also estimated by mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) assays, suggesting an altered mitochondrial function. The findings indicate that tryptophan fluorescence and photoacoustic spectral properties together with machine learning algorithms may delineate the mitochondrial functional status in vitro, indicating its translational potential.

Relationship of Halitosis with Gastric Helicobacter Pylori Infection

Background: Halitosis is a common human condition; however, the pathophysiological mechanism of halitosis is still unclear. Halitosis is mostly attributed with oral pathological conditions, in addition, halitosis resulting from gastrointestinal disorders is not rare either. Halitosis is often reported with symptoms related to Helicobacter pylori infection, epigastric pain and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Objective: Halitosis can stem from a number of gastric conditions and one of the most common causes of halitosis include the presence of a gastric infection with Helicobacter pylori. This study was conducted to evaluate the incidence ofhalitosis in patients presenting with Helicobacter pylori infection and epigastric pain. Additionally, to review whether there is a correlation between H pylori infection and halitosis; moreover, to determine whether halitosis is a valid indication for H pylori infection. Methods and Materials: This case control, comparative study was done at Medicine department of Isra University hospital and Civil hospital, Karachi during the period of January 2019 to December 2019. Participants were enrolled only after taking verbal and signed consent. Prior permission from the hospital management was taken as well. Result: Halitosis and H pylori are statistically significant with p value of 0.026. There was a clear correlation between halitosis and H pylori infection, and it may be a common contributor to halitosis.

Oral health problems in high-performance athletes at 2019 Pan American Games in Lima: a descriptive study

IntroductionDental care is provided for high-performance athletes at national and international sports events. Elite athletes may seek care for sports-related injuries and pre-existing oral diseases. Previous studies indicate an association between oral health problems and negative performance impacts in elite athletes.ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of the most common oral pathologies in high-performance athletes during the emergency dental care performed at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games (JPL-19).MethodologyAll reports of athletes (≥18 years old, of both sexes, from 41 countries) who received emergency dental care at Pan American Villas during the JPL-19 were included. Injuries and types of oral diseases were classified according to the Injury and Disease Surveillance System proposed by the International Olympic Committee.ResultsOf the 6680 participating athletes, 76 (1.14%) presented as dental emergencies, 90.8% (69/76) of the athletes seen presented pre-existing oral pathological conditions, the most frequent were periodontal diseases (34%, 26/76) and dental caries (29%, 22/76). Among the sports with the most cases, there were 22 (29%) in athletics, 6 (8%) in soccer, and 6 (8%) in taekwondo. The most frequent dental emergencies came from Peru, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Grenada, and Venezuela.ConclusionsPre-existing oral diseases were more frequent than sports-related accidents. The most prevalent diseases were periodontal disease and dental caries disease. It is necessary to implement new care strategies for athletes, based on prevention, before and during sports competitions.

Triphala extract negates arecoline-induced senescence in oral mucosal epithelial cells in vitro

BackgroundArecoline found in areca nut causes oral submucous fibrosis. Triphala is an Ayurvedic medicinal preparation used to improve overall physical wellness that has also been shown to improve oral health.ObjectivesTo assess the activity of Triphala extract on arecoline-induced senescence in oral mucosal epithelial cells in vitro.Materials and methodsOral mucosal epithelial cells were isolated and cultured in vitro. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed to assess the viability of treated cells, while senescence was assessed by senescence-associated-β-galactosidase staining. Cell surface marker expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. Finally, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine gene expression levels.ResultsTriphala extract (5 µg/mL) reversed the cell senescence activity of arecoline, as evidenced by reduced β-galactosidase activity, increased Ki-67 marker expression, and reduced expression of senescence-related genes p16 and p21.ConclusionTriphala extract helped to reduce the pathological effects of arecoline-induced pathogenesis.Clinical relevance.Arecoline found in the areca nut causes oral pathological conditions including oral submucous fibrosis. Our results showed that Triphala counteracted the adverse effects of arecoline, in particular, negating senescence in oral mucosal epithelial cells. As a translational effect, Triphala treatment could restore normal epithelial thickness in oral submucous fibrosis, thus reducing the clinical severity of the disease. This reestablishment of oral homeostasis would help to improve oral health-related quality of life in patients with oral submucous fibrosis.

Evaluation of effectiveness of a mouthwash containing antiseptic octenidine dihydrochloride

Was to assess changes in the oral microbiota when using octenidine dihydrochloride mouthwash. Quantitative and qualitative changes in the oral microbiota were studied and evaluated after a single rinse, course application and long-term dates. A single rinse resulted in a significant decrease in the number of pathogenic microorganisms: S. aureus, C. albicans, and Enterobacteriae. After a seven-day course of mouthwash application, the complete disappearance of pathogenic microorganisms: S. aureus, S. albicans, and Enterobacteriae and an increase in the number of Lactobacillus spp were revealed. 7 days after the mouthwash was canceled, there was some recovery of pathogenic (S. aureus, Candida), the number of Lactobacillus spp. remained the same, normal microflora almost completely restored. Octenidine dihydrochloride mouthwash may be recommended for wide use in dental practice in the treatment of various oral pathological conditions, including candidiasis and dysbiosis.

Red and White Lesions of the Oral Cavity: An Update

In our oral cavity various pathological conditions have been reported which includes different type of lesionswhich require a proper diagnostic criteria, clinically correlation including radiographic &amp; histological reportsfor its diagnosis. In this article we focus on the various types of red and white lesions of the oral cavity whichhave been classified based on its etiology, variation in structure, appearance, precancerous potentiality &amp;etc. The lesion appears white due to changes in the epithelium which can be caused by an increase in thekeratinization of normal keratinized mucosa, keratinization of non keratinized mucosa or thickening of theepithelium. The reduced vascularity or fibrosis of mucosa can also lead to the whiteness of the oral mucosa.The red appearance of the lesion appears because of the inflammation,atrophy, vascular dilation, and purpuraor reduced in the keratinization of the oral epithelium. Generally the red and white lesions are benign and alarge proportion of the normal population has been affected by it. The most common precancerous conditionwhich comes under these lesions classification is Leukoplakia. A proper management of this condition isrequired to avoid its future complication. All conditions should be properly examined by taking a proper andcareful history. However a biopsy is much needed for these conditions to be diagnosed accurately

Determination of the Role of Fusobacterium Nucleatum in the Pathogenesis in and Out the Mouth.

One of the most important types of microorganisms in the oral cavity in both healthy and non-healthy individuals is Fusobacterium nucleatum. Although present as a normal resident in the oral cavity, this Gram-negative pathogen is dominant in periodontal disease and it is involved in many invasive infections in the population, acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, as well as many adverse events with a fatal outcome. To determine the role of F. nucleatum in the development of polymicrobial biofilms thus pathogenic changes in and out of the oral media. A systematic review of the literature concerning the determination and role of F. nucleatum through available clinical trials, literature reviews, original research and articles published electronically at Pub Med and Google Scholar. The presence of Fusobacterium nucleatum is commonly associated with the health status of individuals. These anaerobic bacteria plays a key role in oral pathological conditions and has been detected in many systemic disorders causing complex pathogenethic changes probably due to binding ability to various cells thus several virulence mechanisms. Most common diseases and conditions in the oral cavity associated with F.nucleatum are gingivitis (G), chronic periodontitis (CH), aggressive periodontitis (AgP), endo-periodental infections (E-P), chronic apical periodontitis (PCHA). The bacterium has been identified and detected in many systemic disorders such as coronary heart disease (CVD) pathological pregnancy (P); polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high-risk pregnancy (HRP), colorectal cancer (CRC); pre-eclampsia (PE); rheumatoid arthritis (RA); osteoarthritis (OA).

Oral pathological conditions of an Early Epipaleolithic human from Southwest Asia: Ohalo II H2 as a probable case of intentional dental ablation

ObjectiveTo describe the oral pathological conditions of Ohalo II H2, an Early Epipaleolithic human from southwest Asia. MaterialsThe dentognathic skeleton of Ohalo II H2 and relevant comparative data from similar chronological and/or geographic contexts. MethodsGross and x-ray observations of oral pathological conditions and occlusal wear were made following published protocols. A differential diagnosis of antemortem tooth loss is provided. ResultsOhalo 2 has two carious lesions on the right M3, pulpal exposure of left M1, and mild to moderate anterior alveolar bone loss. The right I1 was lost antemortem, and there is probably agenesis of the left M3. ConclusionsThe pathological conditions noted are not exceptional for a Late Upper Paleolithic forager. However, the antemortem missing right I1 is most parsimoniously explained by intentional dental ablation. SignificanceOhalo 2 could represent the oldest example of dental ablation from the Late Pleistocene circum-Mediterranean world – predating the earliest examples from both North Africa and southwest Asia by several thousand years. The similarity of the Ohalo 2 ablation pattern with later Natufians provides further evidence of potential long-term behavioral trends related to the embodiment of social identities through international body modification within the Epipaleolithic of southwest Asia. LimitationsThe pre-Natufian (∼23,000–14,500 cal BP) human fossil record is relatively sparse, making comparisons with the Natufian (∼14,500−11,500 cal BP) phases of the Epipaleolithic difficult. Suggestions for Further ResearchDocumentation of oral pathological conditions for other pre-Natufian fossils would provide greater resolution of the temporospatial patterning of oral health and embodied social identities during the Epipaleolithic of southwest Asia.

Role of Biofilm and its Effects in Orthodontic Treatment

The presence of biofilms can be attributed as the causative factor of many oral pathological conditions, including caries, periodontal disease, and candidiasis. It has been estimated that some 60% of human infections, including dental caries and periodontal disease, are due to microbial biofilms. Thus, in order to control the various disease processes that occur in the human oral cavity, an understanding of biofilms, their formation, and control of their development, is vital. Supragingival plaque control in orthodontic patients become more difficult with fixed nature of orthodontic appliances. The brackets, arch wires, and other orthodontic gadgets are main focalpoints for accumulation of plaque and also act as obstacle to plaque control and enhancing gingivitis. Hence, the prevalence of gingival inflammation in orthodontic patients is increased, along with significant increase in incidences of dental caries and their mild variant known as white spot lesions. Biofilm accumulation can also lead to premature debonding and eventually enamel decalcification and periodontal diseases. This review was conducted to understand the importance of biofilm and its implication in clinical orthodontic outcomes.

Sex Differences in Oral Pathologies at the Late Classic Maya Site of Xcambó, Yucatán

The present study compares the frequency of oral pathologies—namely caries, antemortem tooth loss and periapical defects—between sexes in the Maya site of Xcambó, Yucatán, during the Late Classic Period (AD 600-900). There are marked differences in the occurrence of oral pathological conditions between the sexes in two of three major areas of the sites, despite evidence of archaeological and funerary homogeneity within the site. In these two compounds, females are significantly more affected by oral pathologies than males. In contrast, the third area of the site shows slightly higher frequencies in males, but with no significant sex difference. The results*Correspondence to: Andrea Cucina, Facultad de Ciencias Antropológicas, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexioco. E-mail: acucina@yahoo.comhave been interpreted according to the site’s location, size and economic role within a larger trade network in the Yucatán peninsula. The higher frequency of oral pathologies in females is interpreted as the result of sex differences in dietary and behavioral patterns. Females likely had more maize in their diet and, because of their role in food preparation, may have ingested food more frequently during the day. At the same time, the lack of difference between sexes in the third area of the site contradicts the archaeological evidence of intrasite homogeneity, and it raises questions on the cultural complexity of this population.

Retrospective evaluation of paediatric oral biopsies over a 10-year period in Western India.

This retrospective study reviewed the paediatric oral biopsies received over 10years at a teaching hospital and dental college in India. It is important that paediatric dentists know the diagnostic tendencies of oral pathological conditions in children, and possess updated information for their diagnosis and treatment. Biopsies of patients 17years of age or younger were selected. Computerised data regarding age, gender, anatomic location, and histopathological diagnosis was retrieved and classified into nine categories. Of a total 2959 oral biopsies, 359 cases (12.1%) were in the paediatric population with a slight male predominance. Salivary gland pathology (21.4%) was most frequently observed followed by dental pathology, maxillofacial tumours and maxillofacial cysts. More than a third of cases (35.9%) were found to occur in the mandible. Five cases of malignancies were found, two of which were salivary gland tumours. The majority of lesions identified were of a benign nature necessitating minimal intervention; however, it is important to recognise that malignant lesions can occur in children. Any swelling, especially related to the salivary glands, must be investigated immediately, so as to prevent mortality and reduce morbidity. Diverse classifications used by previous authors make comparison of data challenging.

An in vitro analysis to ascertain whether smokeless tobacco has any detrimental effect on the diagnostic efficacy of salivary lactate dehydrogenase

Background: Salivary diagnostics promise an easily accessible, non-invasive approach for analyzing and monitoring various oral diseases including cancer. Objectives: This study was undertaken to establish the baseline salivary lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in healthy controls and to discern the effect of smokeless tobacco (SLT) on the diagnostic efficacy of salivary LDH. Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven systemically and periodontally healthy individuals in the age group of 19-27 years without any deleterious habit and oral lesion participated in this study. After explaining the procedure to the participants, unstimulated whole saliva was collected by spit method under sterile conditions. Baseline LDH activity was measured spectrophotometrically. After evaluating baseline activity, 1 ml of saliva was mixed with 1 g of SLT and incubated at 37°C. LDH activity was measured at different time intervals. Results: The median value of baseline LDH levels at rest was 338 IU/L. The gender-based variation in LDH activity was found to be non-significant. Exposure of whole saliva to SLT resulted in an initial increase followed by reduction in the LDH activity. Conclusion: This study provides additional rationale for the use of salivary LDH as a biomarker to investigate the aggressiveness and biological nature of oral pathological conditions. Interpretation of changes in salivary LDH activity should be done with caution in individuals habituated to tobacco use.