Evaluation of impact of hypertension on salivary pH, salivary flow and buffering capacity: A retrospective analysis

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is defined as systolic and diastolic blood pressures with values >140mmHg and >90mmHg respectively. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the impact of hypertension on salivary pH, salivary flow and buffering capacity. Methodology: This study is a retrospective observational study that included 200 patients. The subjects were categorized into the four groups: Group 1- Patients with normal blood pressure (SBP of < 140 mmHg, DBP of < 90 mmHg) without medication, Group 2- Patients with normal blood pressure with antihypertensive medication, Group 3- Hypertensive patients (SBP of ≥140 mmHg and/or DBP of ≤90 mmHg) without medication and Group 4- Hypertensive patients with antihypertensive medication. Unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates (USSFR and SSFR), pH and buggering capacity of saliva was recorded. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the sex, mean age among the all four groups. Although there was no significant difference in the USSFR, SSFR, or Stimulated saliva pH among the groups. There was a significant difference observed in unstimulated saliva pH (p=0.001). Conclusion: The contributory factors in maintaining the integrity of oral cavity is salivary flow rate, pH and the buffering action of the saliva. Use of anti-hypertensive medications effects pH of un-stimulated saliva which can be lead to many oral detrimental changes.