Comparative evaluation of serum folic acid levels in smokers and non-smokers with chronic periodontitis

Abstract

Objectives: Folic acid is a vitamin which belongs to the B-complex group. It is critical to cellular division and new cell production because it is an essential co-factor in DNA synthesis. Repair and maintenance of periodontal tissue generates a high turnover rate of squamous epithelium. Without folic acid, epithelial cells do not divide properly. Cigarette smoking is one of the factors that affect the folic acid levels. The aim of this study was to compare the serum folic acid levels in patients with chronic periodontal disease in relation to the patients' smoking habits. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 subjects were included in the study with 30 subjects in each of the following groups, I - patients who have chronic periodontitis and are smokers and II - patients who have chronic periodontitis and are non-smokers. Clinical parameters like gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) and clinical gingival attachment levels (CAL) were recorded for all the patients. Blood was collected and tested in the laboratory for folic acid levels using a fully automated serum analyser. The results were statistically analysed. Results: The results suggested that serum folic acid levels of smokers were significantly lower than that of non-smokers (p < 0.05). PI, PD and CAL means were significantly higher in Group I (chronic periodontitis and smokers) than Group II (chronic periodontitis and non-smokers). GI and BOP was lower in smokers. Conclusion: Among patients with periodontal disease the serum folic acid level is lower in smokers compared with non-smokers.