Diagnostic accuracy and smoking-driven modulation of salivary MMP-8, MMP-9, and HIF-1α in stage III grade B/C periodontitis: a cross-sectional study.

Researchers compared salivary biomarkers in periodontally healthy people and those with stage III periodontitis, stratified by smoking status. Salivary MMP-8 showed strong diagnostic accuracy for periodontitis in both smokers and non-smokers, whilst HIF-1α was suppressed by smoking independent of periodontal status.

A plain-English summary of the study's own findings — we don't add our own claims or interpretation. Read the full paper for the complete methods and results, and apply your own clinical judgement.