Influence of age and smoking habits on production and composition of saliva

Introduction Aging and smoking habits lead to changes in human body. There is a controversy about the influence of the aging process and nicotinism on the production and the composition of saliva.

Material and Methods 182 subjects were checked on their saliva production (stimulated and unstimulated), composition of saliva (Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca++), pH-value in unstimulated saliva and dry mouth symptoms via a visual analogue scale. Smokers were compared with non-smokers and the group of 20-40 year-old subjects were compared with 41-60 year-old subjects concerning saliva production and the above mentioned factors.

Results Significant differences with regard to saliva production and composition of saliva were neither detected among smokers and non-smokers nor between the different groups of age. But smokers (p=0,003) and older subjects had a significant lower pH-value (p=0,024). Smokers had a higher rate of dry mouth symptoms than non-smokers.

Conclusion The age of subjects and smoking habits do not seem to influence the objective factors like production and composition of saliva. But saliva pH seems to be lower in smokers and older study participants. This has potential effects on oral health.

 

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Publication History

Article published online:
19 April 2024