author = {Osayande, Omorede. and Osayande, O.}, title = {{Effect of cigarette smoking on salivary electrolyte composition in a sub-urban Nigerian population}}, journal ={Port Harcourt Medical Journal}, volume ={12}, number ={1}, pages = {41-45}, doi = {10.4103/phmj.phmj_38_16}, year = {2018}, abstract ={ Background: Cigarette smoking is a factor that affects the health of humans. It has been shown to be an important risk factor for a variety of disorders such as disease of the lungs, brain damage and has also been linked to the development of periodontal disease. There are, however, few and conflicting studies on its effect on salivary electrolyte composition. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of chronic cigarette smoking on electrolyte concentration of saliva and to determine its effect on normal oral homeostasis. Methods: A total of 40 male subjects of between 25–40 years were divided into two groups, A and B. Group A comprised of 20 smokers and Group B, 20 non-smokers. Saliva from each subject was collected into a plain sample bottles and immediately analysed. Results: Results showed a significantly lower concentration of Na+ and Cl and a significantly higher HCO3 and K+ in smokers than non-smokers. Conclusion: This shows that the concentration of electrolytes in the saliva may be affected by the chronic use of tobacco which could have adverse consequences on the normal homeostasis of the oral environment especially with regard to increased salivary alkalinity as a result of increased salivary bicarbonate. }, URL ={https://www.phmj.org/article.asp?issn=0795-3038;year=2018;volume=12;issue=1;spage=41;epage=45;aulast=Osayande;t=6}, eprint ={https://www.phmj.org/article.asp?issn=0795-3038;year=2018;volume=12;issue=1;spage=41;epage=45;aulast=Osayande;t=6} }