title: Quantitative Assessment of Calcium Profile in Whole Saliva From Smokers and Non-Smokers with Chronic Generalized Periodontitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Measures of in vivo calcium status are important in understanding the mineralization capacity as it is an essential mineral component of both teeth and bone; and also play a vital role in the lipid profile and hormonal balance.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the existence of any disturbances in calcium metabolism and absorption induced by smoking, by quantitatively assessing the variations in the salivary calcium level between smokers and non-smokers with periodontitis and relating to their periodontal status.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 50 male patients were selected and categorized as Group I (smokers with chronic generalized periodontitis) and Group II (non-smoker/ non-tobacco users with chronic generalized periodontitis). Clinical parameters such as Calculus Index and Community Periodontal Index were assessed. Subsequently two ml of unstimulated whole saliva was collected and subjected to biochemical analysis for the estimation of salivary calcium which was carried out in the next 20 min.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Salivary calcium levels were significantly higher in Group I (2.2700) compared to Group II (1.7260). Higher calculus index and CPI index score were also seen in Group I when compared to Group II.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Elevated salivary calcium level among the Group I emphasize the decreased calcium absorption efficiency among the smokers. High salivary calcium content hardens plaque more rapidly, indirectly influencing the level of oral hygiene.
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Periodontology, P.S.M college of Dental Science and Research , Thrissur, Kerala, India .
authors.forename: Megha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Varghese
authors.affiliation: Professor and Head, Department of Periodontology, Yenepoya Dental College , India .
authors.forename: Shashikanth
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hegde
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Periodontology, Yenepoya Dental College , India .
authors.forename: Rajesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kashyap
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Periodontology, Yenepoya Dental College , India .
authors.forename: Arun Kumar
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Maiya
keywords: Calcium metabolism; Cigarette smoking; Periodontal status; Salivary biomarker