Comparative Assessment of Periodontal Health and Salivary Biomarkers in Tobacco Users and Non-Users: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Objectives The study aimed to assess and compare the periodontal status, salivary thiocyanate levels and salivary pH among non-tobacco users, smoked tobacco users and smokeless tobacco users. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional investigation was carried out on 75 construction workers aged between 20 and 60 years. Participants were categorized into three groups: individuals with no tobacco habit, those consuming smoked tobacco, and those using smokeless tobacco. The periodontal condition of all subjects was evaluated utilizing the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form (2013). Salivary thiocyanate concentration was estimated with an ultraviolet spectrophotometer set at a wavelength of 447 nm, whereas salivary pH was measured using a digital pH meter. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 19.0). To compare variations among the groups, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied, followed by Tukey’s post hoc test for pairwise comparisons. Results Gingival bleeding scores were elevated in smokeless tobacco users (100%) compared to smoked tobacco users (88%) and non-users (48%). Periodontal pockets > 6 mm were found in 84% of smoked tobacco users and 76% of smokeless tobacco users, while non-users had none. Mean salivary thiocyanate levels were significantly higher in smoked tobacco users (11.28 ± 1.23) than in smokeless users (7.67 ± 1.08) and non-users (4.26 ± 1.15) (p < 0.001). Salivary pH was lowest in smokeless tobacco users (6.18 ± 0.49), indicating a more acidic environment compared to smoked tobacco users (6.35 ± 0.54) and non-users (7.76 ± 0.45). Conclusion Both smoked and smokeless tobacco use are associated with compromised periodontal health and altered salivary parameters. Regular monitoring of salivary biomarkers may aid in the early detection of tobacco-induced oral changes. So as health care professionals we should take decisive action to lower tobacco through health warnings with advertising, and the promotion of tobacco replacement therapy.