[The influence of hygiene and health habits on the concentration of some ions in saliva of postmenopausal women].

PURPOSE

The study was designed to evaluate the influence of tooth-brushing, milk consumption, hormone therapy, allergy, and cigarette smoking on the content of fluoride, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in saliva.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from 100 women aged 48-70 years. Biochemical analysis was done to measure ion content. A questionnaire was used to determine hygiene and health habits. Correlation analysis was done to determine the relationships between parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant correlation was observed between ion content in saliva and frequency of tooth-brushing, smoking, and use of oral contraceptives. More frequent tooth-brushing was associated with reduced salivary content of calcium and phosphorus. Significantly higher salivary calcium levels were observed in smokers than non-smokers. Oral contraceptives produced significantly higher concentrations of fluoride ions in saliva. No correlation was noted between ion content in saliva and milk consumption, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or allergy.