An assessment of unstimulated salivary flow rate, IgA and clinical oral dryness among active and passive smokers.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the impact of smoking on the whole salivary flow rate (SFR), IgA levels and clinical oral dryness (COD) among active and passive smokers. MATERIAL AND METHODS The participants were categorized as active smokers (N = 54) or passive smokers (N = 163). Saliva was collected in tubes and placed in ice storage at -70°C. Salivary IgA levels were assessed in duplication using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Following the saliva sample collection, the subjects were assessed for COD using the COD score, SFR and caries. Chi-square test, the t-test and ANOVA were employed to compare the clinical impact of the smoking status associated with specific variables (smoking status, number of cigarettes, active caries, gender, age, COD score, IgA level and SFR). A p-value of 35 years age group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrated significant differences in SFR, IgA and COD scores among the active and passive smokers. The number of cigarettes had a negative impact on saliva production, IgA levels, the oral health status, and the progression of caries with respect to age and gender. Smoking potentially leads to xerostomia associated with active caries.