Comparative evaluation of citric acid and TENS as means for salivary stimulation in adults: An Invivo study

Abstract

Introduction: Xerostomia and salivary gland hypofunction are associated with advancing age, autoimmune diseases such as Sjφgren's syndrome, head and neck radiation, smoking and recreational drug usage. Palliative management of xerostomia included topical agents such as ice chips, saliva substitutes, increasing water intake, paraffin and systemic agents like pilocarpine had been used. The above mentioned agents had side-effects and have led to find newer modalities like electrical and chemical stimulation. Aim: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of citric acid and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) as a means of stimulating salivary function in healthy adult subjects. Materials and Methods: Hundred adult subjects, 50 males and 50 females between the age group of 18-45 years, with no history of salivary gland disorder were randomly enrolled in the study. During the first visit unstimulated whole saliva was collected in a graduated tube and aafter 1 hr stimulated saliva was collected using citric acid and obtained saliva was measured and recorded. At the second visit, unstimulated whole saliva was collected in a graduated tube and after 1 hr stimulated saliva was collected with TENS and obtained saliva was measured and recorded. Results: The obtained data of unstimulated and stimulated saliva of the subjects was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis using paired and unpaired t-test. The results showed increased salivary flow rate with both the modalities. And comparative evaluation revealed greater salivary flow rate with citric acid when compared to TENS. Conclusion: The present study substantiated the fact that citric acid as well as TENS can be used as an effective and wholesome method in stimulation of whole salivary flow rate in patients with xerostomia and salivary gland hypofunction.