Gingival health in relation to salivary vitamin C and total protein among dental students

Abstract

Background: The protective roles of vitamin C and total proteins in gingival inflammation were reported by severalstudies. The aim of this study was to measure the concentration of salivary vitamin C, total protein and their relationto gingival health among dental students.Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 67 dental students (33 males and 34 females) from College ofDentistry, University of Baghdad. Sillness and Löe (1964) was used for recording of dental plaque, while the gingivalindex (GI) was measured according to Löe and Sillness criteria (1963). Stimulated salivary samples were collectedand chemically analyzed in Poisoning Center/Surgical Specialty Hospital by using colorimetric method to measurethe salivary vitamin C and total protein. SPSS version 18 was used for analyzing data.Results: A higher percentage of dental students were found with mild type of gingivitis. Higher mean value of salivaryvitamin C was reported among dental students with mild type of gingival index compared to those with moderatetype, while the opposite picture was noticed for total protein, differences were statistically significant (P< 0.05).Conclusion: Significant associations between salivary vitamin C, total protein and gingivitis were found in the presentstudy. The protective rule of salivary vitamin C and total protein may offer a route to improve oral healthcare