INFLUENCE OF SALIVARY PH AND UREA LEVEL ON CALCULUS FORMATION: A CLINICO-BIOCHEMICAL STUDY

Background: Estimating the levels of salivary pH and urea aids in determining their role in rate of calculus formation. This study is aimed at evaluating the pH and urea level of saliva, determine its role as a risk factor for periodontal disease and thus evaluate its suitability as a diagnostic marker of periodontal disease. Materials & methods: Based on objective evaluation of the oral hygiene condition, subjects were divided into three groups: Group A- mild / no calculus levels (control group, having calculus index score of 0.0 to 0.6) Group B- moderate calculus levels (having calculus index score of 0.7 to 1.8) Group C- heavy calculus levels (having calculus index score of 1.9 to 3.0) Pre-operatively pH and urea levels were recorded of un-stimulated whole saliva. Calculus and plaque scores were recorded amongst the groups, and thorough oral prophylaxis was performed in all the groups. Results: Salivary pH and urea levels have an influence on calculus formation.