The analysis of calcium contained in saliva due to smoking habits: Using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)

An increased level of calcium in saliva due to cigarettes consumption can be analyzed using LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy). The saliva was collected from light smokers, moderate smokers and heavy smoker. The LIBS system used the optimum conditions at 0.5μs time delay, 100 mJ laser energy and 3 accumulation of shoots, and in an atmospheric gas conditions. The elements present in the saliva are 99% composed of water and some anorganic elements such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, fluorine. Ca element (Calcium) is a prominent element contained in saliva that acts mostly in buffering process of the oral cavity. The result data showed that an increase of cigarette consumption per day was followed by the increase of Ca emission intensity at a wavelength 422 nm. There was a 30% increase in Ca emission intensity of light smoker group compared to non-smoker group, a 37% increase in Ca emission intensity of the moderate smoker group compared to the non-smoker group, and 51% in Ca emission intensity of the heavy smoker group compared to the non-smoker group. This result indicates that a demineralisation (solubility) process has occurred which is related to a dissolution of Ca element in tooth lattice into saliva.