The influence of oral hygiene on salivary quality in the Ames Test, as a marker for genotoxic effects

SummarySquamous cell carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract are a global health–political challenge. Accordingly, current research efforts are aimed towards the opportunities for early recognition of risk patients, and at the recognition of risk factors related to carcinogenesis. We determined the revertant number of the variety Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and TA 100 after incubation, with saliva samples from 100 probands as a measure of a genotoxic environment within the oral cavity, depending on the dental status as measure of oral health. Beside chronic alcohol (p = 0.032) and tobacco consumption (p < 0.001), the dental status displayed in partial aspects (high plaque index, high number of decayed teeth, prosthetically not rehabilitated status, p ⩽ 0.050) a significant connection with the genotoxic salivary activity. The periodontal status and the type of restorative filling material, as well as dental prostheses, however, had no important influence on the revertant number (p ⩾ 0.104). Therefore, it can be concluded that the polymicrobial supragingival plaque, as a possible independent factor, possesses a relevant mutagenic interaction with saliva, and that individual oral health is a co-factor in the development of carcinomas in the oral cavity.