Objectives:The objective of the study was to determine whether plasma levels of white blood corpuscles (WBCs) and platelets were altered in patients with chronic periodontitis compared to healthy controls. Study Design:A total of 120 subjects, 60 with chronic periodontitis and 60 with healthy periodontium of age group 30-50 years were selected for the study. Oral hygiene status and pocket probing depth were measured. During clinical evaluation, venous blood samples were taken to analyze the WBC and platelet counts. Statistical analysis was utilized to compare differences across various groups. Results:The WBC count was higher in patients with chronic periodontitis when compared with controls whereas the platelet count was lower in the case group. Conclusions:Elevated WBC count plays a key role in chronic periodontitis and in turn a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. However, there is no significant role of platelets in periodontal infection even though it has a major role in atherogenesis. Key words:Periodontitis, white blood cells, platelets, cardiovascular diseases.

Aims and Objectives:The main objective of this study was to evaluate the duration of stimulation over the parotid salivary flow following the use of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) in different age groups.Materials and Methods:The study was carried out in three different age groups. Under group A individuals from 21 to 35 years of age, group B 36-50 years and group C above 51 years were considered. In each group 30 subjects were taken of whom 15 were males and 15 were females. The placement of pads was approximated bilaterally over the parotid glands. The working parameters of TENS unit were fixed at 50 Hz and the unit was in normal mode.Results:Subjects belonging to group B were showing statistically significant increases in the duration of stimulated parotid salivary flow following the use of TENS.Conclusion:TENS can be considered as a non-pharmacological alternative to improve salivation for longer period in xerostomia patients.