Salivary free hemoglobin and lactate dehydrogenase as biomarkers for periodontal disease in smokers.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to compare levels of the biomarkers lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and free hemoglobin in the saliva of different groups of smokers for early diagnosis of periodontitis and their clinical relevance for use as a screening tool.

Method And Materials: Eighty cigarette smokers were divided into light (< 10 cigarettes/day) moderate (10 to 19 cigarettes/day) and heavy (≥ 20 cigarettes/day) smokers. Stimulated saliva samples were obtained by the expectoration method and evaluated for LDH and free hemoglobin levels.