Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Xerostomia, or dry mouth, often intensifies oral health problems like dental caries and periodontitis. Smoking is a key factor influencing salivary flow, potentially leading to these issues. This study assesses the prevalence of xerostomia and reduced salivary flow (hyposalivation) among smokers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As case and control groups, the study groups include 150 smokers and 150 healthy non-smokers. A detailed questionnaire was used to collect data on smoking behaviors and symptoms associated with xerostomia. A modified Schirmer test was conducted at 1, 2, and 3-minute intervals to measure unstimulated salivary flow. Descriptive statistics were calculated for age, sex, type, frequency, and duration of smoking. The Mann-Whitney test was done to compare the salivary flow between smokers and non-smokers and to compare smoking parameters with salivary flow. Correlation was also determined for salivary flow with age and smoking parameters. RESULTS: All the smokers were males, and most were cigarette smokers (86%). Xerostomia symptoms were reported by 19% of smokers and none by non-smokers, which was statistically significant (P<0.000). Salivary flow rates at 1, 2, and 3 minutes were significantly lower in smokers than in non-smokers. A comparison between the frequency and duration of smoking and salivary flow yielded statistically significant P values of 0.005 and 0.043, respectively. There was a weak negative correlation between age, frequency of smoking, duration of smoking, and salivary flow. CONCLUSION: This study found a clear association between long-term smoking and xerostomia, with a notable decrease in unstimulated salivary flow. This highlights the adverse effect of smoking on oral health, which could be used in effective counseling for tobacco cessation.
DOI: 10.5041/rmmj.10556
Authors: Ambrose Winnifred Christy, Suresh Kumar Bavesh, Thomas Jones Raja Devathambi, Rajasekaran Thanigainathan
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4415734207