Effect of Tobacco Chewing on Salivary and Tongue Coating pH and Assessment of Oral Microflora in Tobacco Chewers

Salivary functions rely on its various physicochemical characteristics and any variations under threshold levels are considered risk factors for the development of oral diseases. Aim: A single-blind randomized cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess the effect of chewing tobacco on pH of saliva and tongue coating and its impact on oral microflora. Materials and Method: Forty-five (15 controls and 30 study subjects with only tobacco chewing habits under two age groups) unstimulated salivary and tongue coating pH was assessed early in the morning before oral hygiene procedures were done and the saliva sample was inoculated for aerobic culture on Cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient agar and incubated at 37 o C for 24-48 hours for microbiological analyses. Results: The mean tongue coating pH in young and elderly tobacco chewers was found to be 7.13 and 7.13±0.70 respectively. The mean salivary pH in young and elderly tobacco chewers was found to be 8.09±0.30 and 8.19±0.54 respectively. The differences between the groups for salivary and tongue coating pH were not statistically significant (p≥0.682) (p≥0.724). The predominance of microorganisms in young tobacco chewers, was streptococcus viridans, E.coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus, whereas in elder tobacco chewers showed the predominance of streptococcus viridians, Gram-positive cocci, and Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus. Conclusion: As alterations in normal oral flora and salivary pH due to the long-term effect of tobacco usage makes oral mucosa acquire oral and dental diseases, tobacco usage cessation should be considered in the treatment of various oral diseases and be a part of prevention of oral health in dentistry. * 1 Dr Gayathri Ramesh, 1 Dr Smriti Chaubey, 2 Dr