Journal of Environmental Biology

Changes in salivary trace element levels correlate with periodontal health state of non-smokers, smoker and reverse smokers

H. Rashid¹, S.P. Kumar², A.S. Dadhich³ and A. Mamillapalli¹*     

¹Department of Life Sciences, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Vishakhapatnam-530 045, India

²Department of Periodontics and Oral Implantology, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Vishakhapatnam-530 045, India

³Department of Chemistry, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University) Vishakhapatnam-530 045, India

Received: 02 April 2024                   Revised: 01 June 2024                   Accepted: 03 October 2024

*Corresponding Author Email : amamilla@gitam.edu                  *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8338-6970

Abstract

Aim: The present research study was undertaken to find the changes in the levels of trace elements in saliva of healthy, non-smoker periodontitis, smoker periodontitis and reverse smoker periodontitis and to check if they can be used as a biomarker for easy detection of periodontitis.

Methodology: Whole unstimulated saliva samples of the individuals were collected and processed to remove cell debris and mucous. Aluminium, copper, zinc, strontium, and chromium were analysed in the samples using an Agilent Microwave - Plasma atomic emission spectrometer.

Results: Significantly higher levels of aluminium and copper were observed in the reverse smoker periodontitis group when compared to healthy group. The levels of strontium and zinc significantly decreased in reverse smoker periodontitis group. An antagonistic correlation between copper and zinc was observed in periodontitis groups.

Interpretation: The present work shows that the estimation of different trace elements can help in easy identification of periodontitis and assessment of the severity of disease.

Key words: Periodontitis, Saliva, Smoker periodontitis, Trace elements

Copyright © 2025 Triveni Enterprises. All rights reserved. No part of the Journal can be reproduced in any form without prior permission. Responsibility regarding the authenticity of the data, and the acceptability of the conclusions enforced or derived, rest completely with the author(s).