Atoofa Zargar, Dheeraj Sharma

ABSTRACT

Background: Areca nut and tobacco products are reported to be substances that can cause mucosal changes. Areca nut contains many minerals, namely, copper, manganese, zinc, nickel, and lead. The present study was conducted to assess role of areca nut and smokeless tobacco-related habit in altering physical properties of saliva. Materials & Methods: 60 subjects with habit of using smokeless tobacco and areca nut of both genders (Group I) and controls (group II) were enrolled Stimulated saliva was collected and stimulated salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity of the selected subjects were determined using the GC saliva check –buffer kit. Results: Group I had 40 males and 20 females and group II had 30 males and 30 females. The mean salivary flow rate in group I was 3.56 ml/min and in group II was 4.12 ml/min. The mean pH was 6.31 in group I and 7.82 in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The buffering capacity was very low in 14% in group I and 2% in group II, low in 30% in group I and 28% in group II and normal in 56% in group I and 70% in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: There was reduction in salivary flow and change in the pH as well as the buffering capacity of the salivary flow in subjects with areca nut and tobacco-related habits.