Estimation of salivary sodium, potassium, and calcium levels in periodontal health and disease.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to estimate and compare salivary sodium, potassium, and calcium levels in periodontal health and disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 150 patients were selected based on selection criteria. The selected patients underwent complete periodontal examination and were categorized into three groups - Group A, Group B, and Group C. Group A (control group) consisted of 50 patients with healthy subjects. Group B (gingivitis group) consists of 50 patients with gingivitis. Group C (periodontitis group) consists of 50 patients with Stage II/III periodontitis. Gingival index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment loss were measured and recorded. The unstimulated whole saliva was collected and sent for biochemical analysis using colorimetric and modified Arsenazo III method.

RESULTS

A statistical comparison of salivary sodium, potassium, and calcium levels was analyzed among the three groups by a one-way Analysis of Variance test. Tukey test was used for pair-wise statistical comparison among the groups. Salivary sodium, potassium, and calcium levels between the groups showed a statistically significant difference with < 0.001. value was statistically higher when Group A (healthy group) compared with Group C (periodontitis) than Group A (healthy group) compared with Group B (gingivitis).

CONCLUSION

Within the limitation of the current study, there was an increase in Group C (periodontitis group) concentration levels of salivary sodium, potassium, and calcium ions, which showed a statistically significant difference. However, additional studies are necessary to investigate these findings, and future periodontal research should include larger sample sizes with prospective and experimental study designs.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The assessment of these inorganic ions can be effectively utilized as a significant diagnostic marker of active disease in periodontal tissues. It would help the clinician identify the risk of developing periodontitis.