Total anti-oxidant capacity of saliva in chronic periodontitis patients: A biochemical study

Background: Periodontitis is an infectious disease of the oral cavity involving the inflammation of the sustaining tissues of teeth. Anti-oxidant has an important role in protection of host against inflammation and infection. Hence, this study evaluated the salivary total anti-oxidant capacity in chronic periodontitis patients and healthy patients. Methods: A total of 40 patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (healthy) consisted of 20 individuals with healthy gingiva of probing depth ≤3mm, GI =<1, PI=<1 and CAL=0 and Group 2 (chronic periodontitis) consisted of 20 individuals who had signs of clinical inflammation and a diagnosis of CP with PPD ≥ 5 mm, GI >1, PI> 1and CAL≥ 3mm. Whole saliva were collected and samples were analyzed for total anti-oxidant capacity (TAOC). The results were analyzed by student t test and Mann– Whitney analysis. Results: The result revealed that the total anti-oxidant capacity of saliva in the healthy group had significantly higher levels than periodontitis group. Conclusion: The level of total anti-oxidant capacity was lower in the saliva of chronic periodontitis patients, which results in early diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis.