Evaluation of Salivary and Tongue Coating pH and the Effect of Tobacco on Oral Microflora among Tobacco Users

Saliva is complex and important body fluid, is very essential for oral health. Saliva is the exposed to numerous toxic components in tobacco products, is responsible for structural and functional changes in oral tissues. Aim & objectives: A single blind randomized cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess the effect of chewing and smoking tobacco on pH of saliva and tongue coating and role of tobacco on oral microflora. Material and methods: Forty five unstimulated (15 controls and 15 study subjects with only tobacco smoking and 15 with both smoking and chewing habits) salivary and tongue coating pH was assessed and the saliva sample was inoculated on to the blood agar for microbiological analyses. Results: The mean salivary pH in group I and group II was found to be 7.66±0.50 and 8.06±0.67 respectively. The mean tongue coating pH group I and group II was found to be 6.80±0.86 and 6.93±1.03 respectively. The differences between the groups for salivary (P≥0.788) and tongue coating pH ( P ≥ 0.079) were not statistically significant. Among all the groups Coagulase Negative Staphylococci & Gram positive bacilli were predominantly. In Group I, Enterococcus faecalis, E.coli & Klebsiella specieswere mostly found, whereas in Group II the predominant microorganisms found were Streptococcus viridians. Conclusion: The pH and microbiota of mouth differs depending on the methods of collection, its analysis and the area that is tested. Understanding what can change the microbiota (including mouth sites, diet and habit) will give more information on how to study oral microbiota and tobacco related cancers.