ASSOCIATION OF XEROSTOMIA AND ASSESSMENT OF SALIVARY FLOW USING MODIFIED SCHIRMERS TEST AMONG TOBACCO CHEWERS, SMOKERS AND HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS.

Background: Saliva is a complex biological fluid which maintains hemostasis of oral cavity and keeps oral mucosa healthy. Change in resting whole mouth salivary flow rate (SFR) plays a significant role in pathogenesis of various oral conditions. Factors such as tobacco chewing, smoking may affect SFR as well as oral and dental health. Aim: Schirmer?s test is used routinely by ophthalmologists to measure tear film wetness. These strips have been previously used for sialometry. So primary purpose of this study is to assess the SFR in tobacco chewers, smokers. Objectives: To correlate the salivary flow rate among tobacco chewers and smokers and to assess the rate of xerostomia among tobacco chewers and smokers. Methodology: 90 male individuals was divided into 3 groups ? tobacco chewing group, smoking group and healthy individuals. SFR was carried out based on length and color change of strip on wetting. The results obtained will be analyzed by Mann- Whitney test and Chi- square test. Statistical analysis: To analyze the salivary flow rate among 3 groups- Kruskal-Wallis testwas performed and to analyze the xerostomia and mean salivary flow between chewers and smokers Mann-Whitney testwas performed. Results: 53% of smokers showed xerostomia when compared to chewers.