Comparison of salivary PH, buffering capacity and alkaline phosphatase in smokers and healthy non-smokers

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Saliva contains alkaline phosphatase [ALP]-a key intracellular enzyme related to destructive processes and cellular damage-and has buffering capacity [BC] against acids due to the presence of bicarbonate and phosphate ions. Smoking may have deleterious effects on the oral environment due to pH changes which can affect ALP activity. This study aimed to evaluate the salivary pH, BC and ALP activity of male smokers and healthy non-smokers