Estimation of Salivary Malondialdehyde Levels in People with Adverse Oral Habits

Abstract

Aims and Objectives Aim of this study was to assess the levels of Salivary Malondialdehyde as an oxidative stress biomarker in people with adverse oral habits. Introduction Habit of consumption of various forms of Tobacco such as Gutka, Supari, Bidi, Cigarette a fairly common habit, especially among males. These harmful products cause imbalance between the free radicals and antioxidants , leading to oxidative stress. The levels of this oxidative stress can be measured by a specific oxidative stress biomarker, that is Malondialdehyde. Materials and Methods A total of 40 , medically fit males were selected for the study. Among these, 20 people had no history of any adverse oral habits.The other 20 males reported having a habit of consuming at least one or more of harmful substances such as Paan, Gutka, Supari like substances. The salivary Malondialdehyde level was calculated in these patients and subsequently, a comparison was made between those with adverse oral habits and those without any such habits. Results: The salivary Malondialdehyde levels were found to be increased in people with adverse oral habits as compared to those without any such habits . The maximum contrast and increase was found in people of age group 40- 50 years. Conclusion :Elevated salivary Malondialdehyde levels, as an oxidative stress biomarker is one of the reliable tools to estimate the level of oxidative stress and chance of other potential damage to the oral mucosa due to consumption of various harmful substances like Pan, Gutka, Supari, Smoking and others .