Effect of Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy on Plasma and Salivary Superoxide Dismutase Levels in Chronic Generalized Periodontitis Patients

Abstract Background: Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), a key antioxidant enzyme, protects periodontal tissues from reactive oxygen species. This study evaluated the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on clinical parameters and plasma and salivary SOD level in chronic generalized periodontitis patients. Aim & Objective: To evaluate and compare the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on the clinical parameters and the levels of superoxide dismutase enzyme in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis at baseline and at a four-week interval. Material & Methods: 60 participants (20–50 years) were divided into two groups: Group I (healthy controls, n=30) and Group II (chronic generalized periodontitis, n=30). Baseline clinical parameters—Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Sulcus Bleeding Index, Probing Pocket Depth, Recession Depth, and Clinical Attachment Level were recorded. Blood and saliva samples were collected to assess SOD levels. Group II underwent NSPT (scaling and root planing), and parameters were reassessed at 4 weeks.Results: Group II showed significant post-treatment reduction in Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Sulcus Bleeding Index, and Probing Pocket Depth, along with significant gain in Clinical Attachment Level (p<0.001). Plasma and salivary SOD levels significantly increased after NSPT (p<0.05). Recession depth changes were found to be statistically non-significant.Conclusion: NSPT significantly improves both periodontal health and systemic antioxidant defense. Plasma and salivary SOD levels may serve as reliable biomarkers for evaluating periodontal status and therapy outcomes.