Salivary 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine – a valuable indicator for oxidative DNA damage in periodontal disease

8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine [8-OHdG] is the most common stable product of oxidative DNA damage caused from reactive oxygen species and has been reported to increase its levels in body fluids and tissues during inflammatory conditions. This case control study evaluates the salivary levels of 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine [8-OHdG] in thirty individuals with clinically healthy periodontium and thirty chronic periodontitis patients. Salivary 8-OHdG levels were evaluated at baseline and one month following initial periodontal therapy. 8-OHdG levels in saliva were investigated by using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. A significant decrease of 8-OHdG levels after initial periodontal therapy were determined in chronic periodontitis group. The mean 8-OHdG level in the saliva of the CP group was significantly higher than H and CG groups (p < 0.001). Statistically significant correlation was only observed between the salivary levels of 8-OHdG and gingival index (p < 0.05) in CP group. A higher salivary 8-OHdG level seems to depict an increased oxidative stress during periodontal disease. Our study indicated that 8-OHdG levels in saliva appear to reflect status of periodontal health.