Analysis and evaluation of the role of professional cleaning methods on the salivary pH in smokers

Abstract

Introduction: Smoking is one of the primary factors involved in the occurrence of periodontal disease, and its prevalence and severity are higher in smokers. Smoking causes decreased oxygen supply into the bloodstream, which accelerates the formation of plaque and the initiation of the inflammatory process earlier than in non-smokers.

Purpose: To analyze the professional cleaning methods on salivary pH in both smokers and nonsmokers, as well as the impact of smoking in the occurrence and development of periodontal disease.

Materials and methods: The study lot included group A of 20 patients smokers with chronic catarrhal gingivitis, mild form, with a satisfactory oral hygiene and group B, control group of 20 patients non-smokers, complying with the same criteria of inclusion in the study. All patients signed an informed consent with respect to their participation in this study. The patients of both groups were recorded their salivary pH using a pH paper before ultrasonic scaling and professional cleaning and 10 days after periodontal therapy. During this time patients used the same oral hygiene products, smokers were asked not to smoke for 10 days.

Results and discussion: The study showed that all patients had different results of salivary pH recorded before and after professional cleaning. Smokers showed a significant reduction in initial salivary pH acidity compared with controls.

Conclusions: Smoking is a risk factor in the occurrence and development of periodontal disease which leads to tooth loss in young patients. Professional cleaning measures reduce the risk of periodontal disease in both smokers and non-smokers. However, treatment is more effective and faster in nonsmokers.