AIM: Crack cocaine is the freebase form of cocaine that can be smoked. The use of this drug has been considered a public health problem in many countries. The aim of this study was to assess the stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR), pH, and the buffer capacity of saliva in crack cocaine users. METHODS: Stimulated whole saliva was collected from 54 selected crack cocaine users and 40 non-users. All samples were analyzed for SSFR, pH, and buffer capacity. SSFR was analyzed by gravimetric method. The buffer capacity and pH were determined using a digital pH meter. RESULTS: The crack cocaine users demonstrated higher buffer capacity than the control group (P > 0.05). Salivary pH was lower in crack cocaine users (P < 0.05). Mean values of the SSFR for the experimental and control groups were 1.1 and 1.3 mL/min, respectively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Crack cocaine users might exhibit a significant decrease in salivary pH, but not in salivary flow rate or buffer capacity.
AIM: Crack cocaine is the freebase form of cocaine that can be smoked. The use of this drug has been considered a public health problem in many countries. The aim of this study was to assess the stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR), pH, and the buffer capacity of saliva in crack cocaine users. METHODS: Stimulated whole saliva was collected from 54 selected crack cocaine users and 40 non-users. All samples were analyzed for SSFR, pH, and buffer capacity. SSFR was analyzed by gravimetric method. The buffer capacity and pH were determined using a digital pH meter. RESULTS: The crack cocaine users demonstrated higher buffer capacity than the control group (P > 0.05). Salivary pH was lower in crack cocaine users (P < 0.05). Mean values of the SSFR for the experimental and control groups were 1.1 and 1.3 mL/min, respectively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Crack cocaine users might exhibit a significant decrease in salivary pH, but not in salivary flow rate or buffer capacity.
Authors: Maria das Graças Alonso de Oliveira; Jean Nunes Dos Santos; Patrícia Ramos Cury; Victor Hugo Pereira da Silva; Nara Rejane Cruz Oliveira; Ricardo da Costa Padovani; Adriana Marcassa Tucci; Daniel Araki Ribeiro Journal: Environ Sci Pollut Res Int Date: 2014-01-16 Impact factor: 4.223