Introduction: The present study investigates the relationship between the history of dental caries (expressed by the DMFT index) and the levels of salivary proinflammatory cytokines, such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and TNF-α, in patients with periodontitis, gingivitis, and healthy subjects.
Materials and Methods: Thirty participants were analyzed, divided into three clinical groups. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected using the passive drool technique, and IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were determined by ELISA. Dental status was evaluated using the DMFT index.
Results and Discussion: A significant increase was observed in IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the periodontitis group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The DMFT index showed considerable individual variation and was not directly correlated with the severity of periodontal inflammation. Smoking status positively influenced TNF-α levels.
Conclusions: Salivary IL-6 and TNF-α are sensitive biomarkers of periodontal inflammation; however, their levels do not directly reflect patients’ caries experience, suggesting distinct pathophysiological mechanisms.
Keywords: salivary biomarkers, periodontal inflammation, IL-6, TNF-α, DMFT index.