Degree of Acidity, Salivary Flow Rate and Caries Index in Electronic Cigarette Users in Sleman Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: The Yogyakarta Special Region ranks sixth for highest number of smokers of the 33 provinces in Indonesia. Smokers account for 31.6% of the total population. Sleman Regency ranks fourth in daily consumption of cigarettes of the five regencies or cities in Yogyakarta. The body part most exposed to direct cigarette smoke is the oral cavity. Saliva is a liquid secreted inside the oral cavity to act as a buffer. Nicotine content in conventional cigarettes is known to diminish the salivary flow rate and the acidity (pH) of the saliva. A continual decrease in saliva pH over time may cause dental caries. The use of electronic cigarettes is a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) method to help people quit smoking; they emit a lower nicotine level than conventional cigarettes. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the saliva pH, salivary flow rates, and caries index of electronic cigarette smokers. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional method to compare the saliva pH, salivary flow rate, and caries index of 30 smokers of electronic cigarettes and 30 non-smokers as a control group. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 software and considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. Results: The Mann-Whitney analysis showed a significant difference in the saliva pH between electronic cigarette smokers and non-smokers. Independent T-Test analysis showed no significant difference in the salivary flow rates of the two groups. The Mann-Whitney analysis also showed no significant difference in the caries index of the groups. Conclusion: Results indicated that there is a significant difference in the saliva pH of electronic cigarette smokers, while the salivary flow rates and caries indices of electronic cigarette smokers and non-smokers were similar.

Evaluation of Glucosyltransferase B and secretory immunoglobulin A in relation to dental caries in saliva of electronic cigarette smokers

“…To enhance the avor and smell, e-cigarette liquids usually contain sucrose, sucralose, and sugar alcohol as additions (33) (34). While the current research was not in accordance with Lestari et al's (2020) ndings, which suggested that the caries index of smokers who use e-cigarettes is similar to that of non-smokers (35).…”

Can smoking alter salivary homeostasis? A systematic review on the effects of traditional and electronic cigarettes on qualitative and quantitative saliva parameters

“…Lestari et al investigated the direct effect of smoking ECs on SFR and the salivary pH, and their results clearly indicated a significantly lower pH in EC smokers as compared to non-smokers, but no significant difference in the SFR levels between the 2 groups. 150 However, the methodology of their experiment did not include the collection of saliva from traditional cigarette smokers and the comparison of the traditional smokers with the vaping group. 150 This relationship was taken into account by Mokeem et al, whose results did not reveal any changes in the SFR values between the 3 study groups (EC smokers vs. traditional smokers vs. non-smokers).…”

“…150 However, the methodology of their experiment did not include the collection of saliva from traditional cigarette smokers and the comparison of the traditional smokers with the vaping group. 150 This relationship was taken into account by Mokeem et al, whose results did not reveal any changes in the SFR values between the 3 study groups (EC smokers vs. traditional smokers vs. non-smokers). 145 In research performed by Cichońska et al, pH was lower, and total protein, Ca and phosphate concentrations were higher in EC users in than non-smokers.…”