Tracing the success of scaling and root planning (SRP) in patients with chronic periodontitis by salivary nitric oxide

Introduction: Salivary biomarkers may elucidate orodental inflammatory processes. Nitric oxide (NO) may help us to diagnose such changes . Methods: In this case-control study, all referral patients diagnosed with 130% sites were enrolled as generalized mild to moderate periodontitis group (PG). All PG and healthy control group (CG)’ individuals underwent scaling and root planning (SRP). The periodontal indices were recorded at baseline (day0) in both PG and CG, in addition to 14 days after SRP (day 14) : salivary nitric oxide level on same occasions also recorded. Results: Twenty seven individuals were enrolled as PG and 17 individuals were assessed in CG. All indices were improved with SRP after 14 days. Except for NO, none of the periodontal indices subsided to the normal values of CG. Conclusions: Nitric oxide is a sensitive biomarker in tracing periodontal inflammation.