Effect of hand-held mobile phones on the parotid gland: A cross sectional study

Background: The mobile phones widely used today uses electromagnetic radiations for signal transmission. These radiations have been speculated to cause pathological changes, especially in the salivary glands. Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare the salivary flow rate, pH, total protein concentration, Immunoglobulin A, total antioxidant capacity and salivary amylase levels of the parotid saliva between the dominant and non-dominant sides of mobile phone usage. Settings and Design: A total of 40 participants who used hand-held mobile phones were selected for the study. Materials and Method: Group A comprised of participants who used mobile phones for 0-2 hours a day, group B comprised of participants who used mobile phones for 2-4 hours a day and group C comprised of participants who used mobile phones for more than 4 hours a day. The parotid salivary pH, total protein concentrations, immunoglobulin A (IgA), salivary amylase, and total antioxidant capacity were estimated. Statistical Analysis: One-way ANOVA, Tukey HSD test and Pearson's correlation were used. Results: There was an increase in the mean salivary flow rate, pH and salivary IgA levels on the dominant side of participants. The mean total protein levels and IgA levels in the dominant sides of group A, B and C was 22.56 +/- 9.35, 20.10 +/- 4.95, 17.44 +/- 4.52 and 3.39 +/- 0.62, 5.03 +/- 0.72, 7.51 +/- 1.17, respectively. There was a decrease in the mean total protein, amylase and total antioxidant capacity in the dominant side. Conclusion: Our study has shown an increase in the levels of salivary flow rate, pH and IgA in the dominant side of usage.