Impact of lifestyle factors on salivary nitrite and nitrate concentrations in overweight/obese individuals.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the association of lifestyle factors (smoking, physical activity, consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and alcohol, and oral hygiene practices) with salivary nitrite and nitrate concentrations.

DESIGN

This cross-sectional study included 1076 overweight/obese adults (aged 40-65 years) from the San Juan Overweight Adult Longitudinal Study (SOALS). Salivary nitrite and nitrate concentrations were measured using Eicom's ENO-30. Associations between lifestyle factors and salivary nitrite/nitrate concentrations were evaluated using Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's test, Spearman correlation, and Gamma regression controlling for age, sex, metabolic syndrome, and bleeding on probing.

RESULTS

Smoking (former and current), sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, and plaque index were associated with lower salivary nitrite or nitrate concentrations (p < 0.001-0.048). Twice-daily brushing (p = 0.025) and daily flossing (p = 0.015) were associated with higher salivary nitrite compared to less frequent practices. Over-the-counter mouthwash use (≥2 times daily) was positively associated with nitrate concentrations (p = 0.028). No significant associations were observed for alcohol consumption and physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal oral hygiene practices are positively associated with salivary nitrate and nitrite concentrations, while smoking and sugar-sweetened beverages consumption show negative associations. This highlights their potential relevance for oral and cardiometabolic health in individuals with overweight or obese.