Background: Elements which are present or required in minute quantities are known as Trace element (TE). These TEs play an imperative role in numerous physiological and metabolic processes in humans. Metal ions are necessary for humans as more than 25% of the enzymes need to be activated by them. Past studies have highlighted the role of these trace elements in the pathogenesis of Oral Submucous Fibrosis. However; no convulsive evidence has been stated regarding the role of these trace elements. Hence, we evaluated the salivary Cu and Zn levels in OSMF patients. Materials & Methods: The present study was carried in the department of oral pathology of the institution and included a total of 60 patients. All the patients were divided into two groups; Group A consisted of 30 patients that were histologically diagnosed with OSMF. Group B consisted of patients that were control and didn’t have any oral lesion. Salivary Cu and Zn levels were estimated. All the results were analyzed by SPSS software. Chi square test were used for the assessment of level of significance. Results: Mean salivary Cu levels in OSMF and normal control patients were 0.087 and 0.055 respectively.  Mean salivary Zn levels in both OSMF and normal control patients were 0.102. Significant alterations were observed while comparing the mean salivary Cu levels in the two study groups while comparing the mean salivary Zn levels, no significant alterations was seen.  Conclusion:  Salivary markers can be used for predicting the prognosis and diagnosis of the disease.
Key words: Copper, Salivary, Zinc