PURPOSE:

The study was designed to evaluate the influence of tooth-brushing, milk consumption, hormone therapy, allergy, and cigarette smoking on the content of fluoride, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in saliva.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from 100 women aged 48-70 years. Biochemical analysis was done to measure ion content. A questionnaire was used to determine hygiene and health habits. Correlation analysis was done to determine the relationships between parameters.

CONCLUSIONS:

A significant correlation was observed between ion content in saliva and frequency of tooth-brushing, smoking, and use of oral contraceptives. More frequent tooth-brushing was associated with reduced salivary content of calcium and phosphorus. Significantly higher salivary calcium levels were observed in smokers than non-smokers. Oral contraceptives produced significantly higher concentrations of fluoride ions in saliva. No correlation was noted between ion content in saliva and milk consumption, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or allergy.