Examination of Salivary TNF-A and Antioxidant Capacity in Smokers Who Switch to Non-Combustion Product: A Randomized-Controlled Trial.

Cigarette smoke contains a large number of oxidants and plays an important role in disturbing the oxidative balance due to the content of free radicals in it, which is responsible for many adverse effects in the oral cavity. Chronic inflammation accompanied by increased TNF-a can lead to increased production of free radicals in the body. A high total antioxidant capacity can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which in reducing TNF-a production. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of switching from tobacco smoking to using non-combustion products on gingival health in terms of TNF-a levels in saliva, and total antioxidant capacity in saliva in smokers with gingivitis. This study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 34 subjects (17 smokers and 17 switching to non-combustion products) were involved in the study according to the inclusion criteria. Saliva samples were taken at month 0 and month 3 to examine TNF-a levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC). TAOC in the switch group increased after 3 months (p=0.006) compared to the smoker group. TNF-a in the switch group decreased after 3 months compared to the smoker group, but there was no significant difference (p=0.473). Switching smoking behavior from conventional cigarettes to non-combustion products has the potential to increase TAOC levels and decrease TNF-a after 3 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]