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Abstract
Plain Language SummaryXerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth, is a common condition in older adults, often caused by conditions like Parkinson’s disease or treatments like radiation therapy. It can make swallowing difficult, increase the risk of choking, and lower the overall quality of life. Current treatments for dry mouth focus mainly on managing symptoms, but they do not always work well and can have side effects. This study tested the use of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES), a noninvasive treatment where electrical currents are applied to the skin to stimulate salivary glands and improve moisture in the mouth. The study included 17 older adults, 10 with dry mouth and 7 without. The participants received TES on specific areas of the face and neck while their saliva production and swallowing frequency were measured. The results showed that TES increased the frequency of swallowing in both groups. In participants with dry mouth, TES also improved the feeling of moisture in the mouth. However, the stimulation did not significantly increase the flow of saliva from smaller glands. These early findings suggest that TES might help improve swallowing and relieve dry mouth in older adults, but more research is needed to better understand its benefits and determine the best ways to use this treatment.
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