Comparison of Saliva Biomarkers in Two Different Geographical Regions of Turkey

Oral hygiene instructions including tooth brushing, flossing, and interdental brushing were given to all patient groups before non-surgical periodontal treatment. In both periodontitis groups, scaling, and root surface smoothing were performed using ultrasonic instruments (Woodpecker Medicals Ins. Co., USA) and Gracey Curettes (Hu-Friedy, Chicago, IL, USA) under local anesthesia once a week for 4 weeks.

Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from all participants between 9:00 and 11:00 am. Clinical periodontal measurements were performed after saliva collection to prevent contamination (bleeding, etc.). Participants refrained from brushing their teeth the morning before sampling and from eating, drinking, or smoking for at least 2 hours before sampling. Patients were asked to rinse their mouths with distilled water 5 minutes before saliva collection. A saliva sample was then collected by spitting directly into a sterile tube. Sample collection was continued for 5 minutes.

Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed by trained and calibrated examiners at Ankara University (SY) and Ataturk University (OT). Clinical parameters of probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level CAL, plaque index PI, and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded from six tooth regions (mesio-buccal, mid-buccal, disto-buccal, mesio-lingual, middle lingual, and disto-lingual) using periodontal probe. Bone loss was assessed using panoramic radiographs, confirming the diagnosis of periodontitis.

Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from all participants between 9:00 and 11:00 am. Clinical periodontal measurements were performed after saliva collection to prevent contamination (bleeding, etc.). Participants refrained from brushing their teeth the morning before sampling and from eating, drinking, or smoking for at least 2 hours before sampling. Patients were asked to rinse their mouths with distilled water 5 minutes before saliva collection. A saliva sample was then collected by spitting directly into a sterile tube. Sample collection was continued for 5 minutes.