Changes in the macro and trace element composition of saliva might be indicative for pathological changes in periodontal tissues. However, there is a lack of evidence in the literature showing associations between mineral elements and periodontal status. The aim of this study was to determine whether such associations occur. Totally, 190 systemically healthy non-smoker participants (mean age 32.2 ± 6.02; 50 periodontally healthy, 50 gingivitis, 50 chronic periodontitis, and 40 aggressive periodontitis individuals) were included in this cross-sectional study. Salivary levels of some macro and trace elements were measured by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Kruskal-Wallis's test was used for statistical analysis. Statistically significant differences were found in sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), vanadium (V), chromium Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), rubidium (Rb), strontium (Sr), and selenium (Se) concentrations among the groups. Significant increases in the essential minerals Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe, and Se occurred in both periodontitis groups when compared to the gingivitis and periodontally healthy groups. Lower Se, Sr, Fe, Mn, and V concentrations were found in the aggressive periodontitis group than in the chronic periodontitis group. The results of this study demonstrated that assessment of mineral element concentrations in saliva might be useful in assessing periodontal health and disease. However, further studies are required to determine whether the change in a specific mineral element is the result of periodontal disease or is involved in its pathogenesis.
Keywords: Elements; Gingivitis; Periodontitis; Saliva; Trace elements.