Micronutrient Levels in Saliva of Chronic Periodontitis Patients Pre and Post Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

Background: Saliva, being the major fluid of the oral cavity is composed of various ions, electrolytes, enzymes, micronutrients and microorganisms which contribute to the homeostatic environment of the oral cavity. The micronutrients of the saliva attribute to the nature of the saliva by influencing the pH or by altering the oral microflora. The disturbance in micronutrient status and increased oxidative stress may favor periodontal disease progression. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the micronutrient levels in saliva in patients with chronic periodontitis pre and post non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the micronutrient levels in saliva in patients with chronic periodontitis pre and post non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Materials and Method: The study comprised of 30 patients divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 15 patients with chronic periodontitis and group 2 consisted of 15 healthy individuals. Phase 1 therapy was done for all subjects. Micronutrient levels (zinc, magnesium and copper) and clinical parameters such as gingival index, pocket depth and clinical attachment loss were evaluated at baseline and 1 month after periodontal therapy.

Results: The results of the study showed that on comparing baseline parameters between the test and control group, there is a marked decrease in micronutrient level of Zinc in the test group when compared with the control group and a marked increase in micronutrient level of Copper in the test group when compared with the control group. On comparing the effect of non-surgical therapy on micronutrient levels in the test group, our results showed improvement in the micronutrient levels. Compared with baseline, the levels of copper showed a decrease after treatment and the levels of zinc showed an increase in response to treatment.