Levels of nitric oxide in smokers and nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis before and after nonsurgical periodontal treatment

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the level of nitric oxide (NO) in both serum and saliva of smokers and nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis before and after scaling and root planing, as well as to compare the same (NO levels) with the severity of periodontitis. Materials and Methods: Sixty people took part in the study and were divided into three groups. The control group (Group I) involved 20 patients who were nonsmokers with healthy periodontium. The other two groups included 20 patients each, where Group II was nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis and Group III was smokers with chronic periodontitis. In addition, NO generation was quantified indirectly in this study using the Griess reaction to determine the nitrite level in serum and saliva. Results: The mean value of salivary and serum NO was higher in Group III than in Group II, and NO decreased considerably ( P < 0.01) in both Groups II and III after treatment compared to before treatment. Conclusion: Serum and salivary NO levels can be used as a good predictor of the inflammatory condition of the periodontium in smokers.