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

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 biomarkerforeasy 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 anAgilent Microwave- Plasma atomic emission spectrometer. Results: Significantly higher levels of aluminium and copperwere 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.