Correlation Between Clinical Oral Dryness Score and Salivary Flow Rates in Active and Passive Smokers

Objective: To evaluate the mean clinical oral dryness score (CODs) and salivary flow rate (SFR) in subjects exposed to active and passive smoking. The secondary aim was to determine the correlation between CODs and SFR and potential factors associated with CODs and SFR in our subjects. Study Design and Setting: The clinical observational study was conducted at the Outpatient department of oral diagnosis at Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi from Jan 2019-Jul 2019. Methodology: A total of 217 participants of ages 15 – 80years coming for routine dental checkup of either gender were included. A thorough oral examination was performed for all the subjects. A non-stimulated saliva sample was collected from the oral cavity of subjects in a graduated container. The salivary flow rate was noted in ml/min for 5 minutes. Assessment of oral dryness/hypo-salivation was examined through CODs (clinical oral dryness score).The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Results: The mean COD score and SFR were calculated as 1 and 0.42 ml/5min respectively. The Pearson’s correlation between COD score and SFR level was calculated as -0.281 (negative correlation) such as the SFR significantly decreased when the COD score increased (p<0.05). The age, gender, smoking status, betel quid and areca nut consumption showed statistically significant difference in mean COD score and SFR levels (p<0.05). Conclusion: Salivary flow rate was significantly decreased with increase in COD score thus having an implication on oral dryness feeling in these participants.