Unstimulated Saliva Flow Rate Research Articles

Untargeted stimulated and unstimulated salivary metabolomics and saliva flow rate in children.

The present study aimed to determine the salivary flow and metabolomic profile of stimulated and unstimulated saliva in children. Children who attended the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of the State University of Rio de Janeiro -UERJ between 3 and 12 years of age were selected. Unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva, using mechanical stimulus, were collected. The samples were centrifuged at 12,000 g, 4oC for 1h. The 1H- NMR spectra were acquired in 500MHz equipment. The data were extracted into 0.03 ppm buckets in AMIX, and multivariate analysis (PLS-DA and O-PLS-DA) was performed in Metaboanalyst 2.0. For other analyses, such as salivary flow, the data was tabulated in the SPSS 20.0 statistical package, analyzed descriptively, and after applying the Wilcoxon test. The interval of confidence was set at 95%. The mean age was 7.5 (± 1.94), and 47.0% (n = 31) were female, 63.6% (n = 42). The median flow rate for stimulated saliva was 0.74 (IC 0.10-2.40) and was statistically higher (p < 0.001; Wilcoxon test) than unstimulated was 0.39 (IC 0.00-1.80). Children older than seven years old also presented a higher difference between unstimulated and stimulated saliva (p = 0.003; Mann-Whitney test). The PLS-DA and O-PLS-DA demonstrated a different profile in stimulated and unstimulated saliva. Acetate, glucose, propionate, and lysine were higher in the unstimulated whole saliva than in stimulated saliva. Isoleucine, N-acetyl sugar, hydroxybutyrate, glutamate, leucine, propionate, butyrate, valine, isoleucine, succinate, saturated fatty acid, and histidine were found in greater amounts in the saliva of patients with stimulated saliva. The stimulated saliva presented a higher flow rate, and older children exhibited a higher flow rate resulting from it's the stimulus. The mechanical stimulus increased the levels of the major metabolites.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on diabetes- related oral complications

ABSTRACT Altun BD, Sümen SG, Öçbe M, Dumlu A. Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on diabetes-related oral complications. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2024 Second Quarter; 51(2):101-106. Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled blood sugar levels, which lead to end-organ damage. While the diagnosis and treatment of its complications have been extensively studied, the effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO2) on diabetes-related oral complications remains unexplored. Aim: This prospective clinical study aims to investigate the effect of HBO2 on diabetes-related oral complications. Methods: Twenty patients diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers and scheduled for HBO2 were included in this study. We recorded stimulated and unstimulated saliva pH, buffering capacity, flow rate, and subjective symptoms such as dry mouth, halitosis, taste loss, difficulty swallowing, and clinical examination findings before HBO2 and after the 21st session. Results: Upon comparing the findings, we observed a significant decrease in dry mouth and halitosis, periodontal disease severity, and healing of candida-related stomatitis and angular cheilitis. Despite not reaching statistical significance for other saliva parameters, the unstimulated salivary flow rate increased to normal limits (0.3-0.4 ml/min) in 6 out of 8 patients with a flow rate of less than 0.25 ml/min. Conclusion: Our study investigated the effect of HBO2 on diabetes-related oral complications for the first time, highlighting symptomatic relief for dry mouth and halitosis. Although our results are insufficient to report a definitive benefit, they underscore the need for further research on the oral health effects of HBO2.

S501 An Investigation About the Role of Stimulated and Unstimulated Saliva Cholinesterase Activity and Saliva Flow Rate in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease vs Healthy Individuals

S501 An Investigation About the Role of Stimulated and Unstimulated Saliva Cholinesterase Activity and Saliva Flow Rate in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease vs Healthy Individuals

Comparison of periodontal indices, DMFT, xerostomia, hyposalivation and oral health-related quality of life in Sjögren's syndrome patients versus healthy individuals: A case-control study.

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a common systemic autoimmune disease that affects oral health, and consequently oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) due to the involvement of exocrine glands. The present study aimed to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life and oral health indicators in patients with SS in comparison with healthy individuals. In the case and control groups (45 patients and 45 healthy individuals), questions about demographic data, other systemic disorders, medications, the years of infection, xerostomia, as well as inquiries about the quality of life (Oral Health Impact Profile-14 - OHIP-14) were asked. The patients were evaluated clinically, and oral health indicators, including the plaque index (PI), the gingival index (GI), the sulcus bleeding index (SBI), and the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) were assessed on the Ramfjord teeth. Unstimulated saliva samples from both groups were obtained and weighed. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, v. 24.0. Quantitative variables were compared between the case and control groups with the use of the independent t test or their nonparametric equivalent (the Mann-Whitney test). The comparison of the quantitative variables between the study groups showed a statistically significant difference in the OHRQoL scores (p = 0.037) and the unstimulated saliva flow rate (p = 0.002) between the case and control groups. Also, there was a statistically significant difference in the DMFT index between patients with primary and secondary SS in the case group (p = 0.048). The lower OHRQoL of patients with SS requires more attention and follow-up to solve periodontal and dental problems in this group of patients.

Investigation of DMFT index and saliva values in morbidly obese and obese patients

Objective: Obesity is a global, chronic disease that affects both developed and developing countries. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of morbid obesity and obesity affect the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and saliva values.&#x0D; Methods: The study included 50 morbidly obese, 50 obese, and 50 control group patients ranging in age from 18 to 68. The DMFT index of the patients was determined by clinical examination. The saliva kit was used to determine saliva values [unstimulated saliva flow rate (USFR), stimulated saliva flow rate (SSFR), saliva viscosity (SV), saliva pH (SpH), and saliva buffering capacity (SBC)]. The patients were surveyed to learn about their oral health habits, nutritional habits, and socioeconomic status.&#x0D; Results: There was no significant difference in the number of decayed teeth, filled teeth, USFR, or SV between the groups (p&gt;0.05). The DMFT index, number of missing teeth, SSFR, SpH, and SBC all showed significant differences between the groups (p

Benign submandibular gland tumours: outcomes of gland-preserving excision by endoscopic or conventional approach

Endoscope-assisted surgery is becoming a preferred technique in salivary gland surgery. However, this technique has not yet been applied in submandibular gland (SMG) preservation surgery. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the outcomes of endoscope-assisted gland-preserving surgery through a hairline incision in patients with benign SMG tumours. The study included 38 patients with benign SMG tumours who underwent tumour excision with gland preservation: 19 who underwent local excision of the tumour through an endoscope-assisted hairline approach and 19 who received the conventional cervical approach. The feasibility of the surgical procedure, perioperative patient variables, and postoperative appearance and functional outcomes were evaluated. Patients in both groups had their tumours removed successfully with tumour-free margins. The intraoperative blood loss, postoperative amount of drainage, mean length of the incision, and unstimulated saliva flow rate did not differ between the two groups. There was no difference in the stimulated saliva flow rate between the preserved gland and unaffected SMG. The aesthetic result was better in the endoscope-assisted hairline incision group. No tumour recurrence occurred during follow-up (range 12–52 months). Thus, gland-preserving tumour dissection appears to be a safe method for benign SMG tumours, with good functional results. Furthermore, the endoscope-assisted hairline incision is a feasible method with excellent cosmetic results.

Assessing physical and chemical properties of saliva among tuberculosis patients on anti-tuberculosis treatment - An observational study

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is one of the major systemic conditions which is a preventable and curable infection but remains a significant cause of death.The WHO, in its global plan to stop TB reports, that poor treatment has resulted in the evolution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains that do not respond to treatment with the standard first-line combination of anti- tuberculosis medicines, resulting in the emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in almost every country of the world.The present study was aimed to assess the physical and chemical property of stimulated and unstimulated saliva and identify if any association exist with alterations in taste perception in patients with antituberculosis medications. MethodsA total of 30 patients on anti-tuberculosis drugs were considered as cases and 30 healthy volunteers were considered as controls and included in the study. All study subjects were assessed for their physical property like flow rate, viscosity, pH and chemical property like sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorous of stimulated and unstimulated saliva. All the subjects on Anti-tuberculosis drugs were assessed for change in taste perceptions using the standard questionnaire. ResultsThere is a significant decrease in the flow rate (0.34 ± 0.06) and pH (5.89 ± 0.37) of unstimulated saliva of patients and the flow rate (0.38 ± 0.07) and viscosity (1.34 ± 0.28) of stimulated saliva among the case group compare to the control group. All the electrolytes’ concentrations such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorous values were significantly altered in stimulated and unstimulated saliva of the case group compared to the control group in which p-value < 0.05 was considered. ConclusionThere are significant changes in physical and chemical properties of both stimulated and unstimulated saliva which has an effect on taste perception inpatient with anti-tuberculosis medications. Hence, salivary flow rate, pH, viscosity, and salivary electrolytes of tuberculosis patients should be considered as important parameters in guiding the diet, so that there will be an improvement in their taste perception and medication protocol, thus maintaining their nutritional status which leads to improving their health.

Effects of an integrated supportive program on xerostomia and saliva characteristics in patients with head and neck cancer radiated with a low dose to the major salivary glands: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundXerostomia and changes in saliva characteristics are common side-effects in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing radiotherapy, which negatively impact their oral health. However, there are no consensus standards for intervention to manage these problems. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an integrated supportive program on xerostomia and saliva characteristics at a 1-year follow-up of patients with HNC radiated with a low dose to the major salivary glands.MethodsThe CONSORT guidelines for a randomized controlled trial were used. Participants with a low overall dose to major salivary glands were randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 47) or a control group (n = 45). The intervention group received usual care and an integrated supportive program, which included three steps: face-to-face education; face-to-face coaching at 1 month post-radiotherapy; and four telephone coaching sessions at 2, 3, 6, and 9 months post-radiotherapy. The face-to-face education consisted of oral hygiene instruction, oral self-care strategies, facial and tongue muscle exercises, and salivary gland massage. Adherence to the intervention was evaluated using a questionnaire completed during the 9 months follow-up. The control group received usual care. The unstimulated saliva flow rate and xerostomia were assessed in both groups.ResultsA total of 79 participants (40 in the intervention group and 39 in the control group) completed the 12 months follow-up. The intervention group achieved significantly greater relief from xerostomia than the control group after 3 months (intervention group: 35.1 ± 5.9 versus control group: 38.0 ± 5.9, P = 0.027) and 12 months follow-up (intervention group: 18.5 ± 4.1 versus control group: 22.8 ± 4.3, P < 0.001). A higher unstimulated saliva flow rate was observed in the intervention group than the control group at 12 months follow-up (intervention group: 0.16 ± 0.08 versus control group: 0.12 ± 0.07, P = 0.035). Adherence to the intervention was generally good.ConclusionThis integrated supportive program with good adherence relieved xerostomia and had a positive effect on unstimulated saliva flow rate among patients with HNC radiated with a low dose to the major salivary glands during the 12 months of follow-up.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100051876 (08/10/2021), retrospectively registered.

Heart Rate Variability Analysis According to Clinical Characteristics in Patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the characteristics of the heart rate variability (HRV) index in patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and to evaluate the predictive value of HRV for Korean medical treatment responsiveness to tongue pain in BMS.Methods: Among BMS patients who visited the Oral Diseases Clinic of Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital from January 1, 2018, to May 31, 2021, we reviewed the clinical records of 217 women aged 50 years and over. HRV and unstimulated saliva flow rate (USFR) measurements were carried out, and all patients were asked to indicate their degree of tongue pain using the visual analog scale (VAS). The subjects were classified into subgroups according to the presence or absence of hyposalivation and VAS improvement, and each subgroup was compared using the HRV index. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to confirm whether cause–effect relationships were present between statistically significant values.Results: BMS patients had lower LF and HF than healthy people. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that there were some statistically significant differences in the HRV index according to salivation rate and degree of pain. In addition, as the LF/HF ratio increased, the pain improvement rate decreased after treatment.Conclusion: The autonomic nerve activity of BMS patients was lower than that of healthy people; however, autonomic balance was not impaired. In addition, tongue pain in BMS patients responded more favorably to Korean medical treatment when patients fell within a normal range of the LF/HF ratio, suggesting that autonomic imbalance could be used as one of the predictable factors in clinical practice.

Saliva pH and Flow Rate in Patients with Periodontal Disease and Associated Cardiovascular Disease.

BackgroundPeriodontal disease, a frequent oral health problem, is connected with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the unstimulated saliva flow rate and saliva pH as markers of the severity of periodontal disease in patients with cardiovascular disease.Material/MethodsA cohort of 155 patients (78 men and 77 women, aged 30–92 years) was included, and a structured questionnaire obtained information about their health status, oral healthcare behaviors, and eating habits. An oral examination was performed to assess periodontal status and presence of dental calculus. The unstimulated whole salivary flow rate and salivary pH were measured. An oral hygienization was performed, and 3 months later, salivary flow rate and pH were reevaluated.ResultsA severe form of periodontal disease was found in 22.4% of patients. Disease severity was strongly correlated with low pH values (6.25 in stage IV periodontal disease), lower salivary flow rate (0.28 mL/min), smoking, poor oral hygiene habits and obesity, with no significant differences by sex. We observed a significant increase of pH (up to 6.30±0.17) in patients with severe periodontal disease (P=0.001) and salivary flow rate values (0.29±0.07 mL/min; P=0.014) 3 months after oral hygienization. There was a strong association between the severity of periodontal disease and presence of cardiovascular disease (P=0.001).ConclusionsOur study suggests that the decrease of salivary flow rate and pH level might be associated with the severity of periodontal disease.

Selected salivary parameters in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: a preliminary study

BackgroundDisturbances in the levels of serum constituents occurring in chronic renal diseases can be reflected in the saliva composition. The aim of this study was to assess some selected salivary components in children suffering from idiopathic steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (iNS).MethodsA case–control study was performed on iNS and healthy participants. In unstimulated mixed saliva, pH, buffer capacity, total protein, α-amylase, peroxidase, calcium, magnesium, inorganic phosphate, fluoride, urea, uric acid and salivary flow rate were measured. Oral condition was assessed using dmft, DMFT, API and GI indices, usage of fluoride specimens and frequency of tooth brushing. Statistical analysis was performed by Shapiro–Wilk, Brown-Forsythe, Student’s t, ANOVA, Tukey’s and Pearson’s chi-square tests, Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlations, logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsThe study involved 94 participants of both genders aged 4–17 (47 cases in relapse or remission phase of iNS and 47 controls) who were treated in the clinic of pediatric nephrology or outpatient dental clinic. Neither group differed in the number of caries-affected primary and permanent teeth, gingival condition or use of fluoride specimens. The iNS group presented lower levels of magnesium (0.41 ± 0.34 vs. 0.60 ± 0.38 mg/dL, P < 0.05) and fluoride (0.15 ± 0.10 vs. 0.21 ± 0.10 ppm, P < 0.01) and higher contents of urea (35.19 ± 15.55 vs. 25.21 ± 10.78 mg/dL, P < 0.01) and uric acid (2.90 ± 1.23 vs. 2.34 ± 1.04 mg/dL, P < 0.05) than the controls. In the iNS participants with relapse, a higher peroxidase activity and lower magnesium content than in the remission phase were found. ROC analysis showed a weak discriminatory power of these salivary constituents for the differentiation of participants with and without disease (accuracy from 66.0 to 67.0%, area under the ROC curve (AUC) from 0.638 to 0.682) and the relapse and remission phases (accuracy 70.2% and 68.1% and AUC 0.717 and 0.675, respectively).ConclusionsLevels of urea, uric acid, magnesium and fluoride in saliva can be associated with the course of iNS. Salivary levels of peroxidase and magnesium can be related to the phase of the disease. However, the measurements of these parameters cannot be useful as a noninvasive tool in diagnosing iNS and the phase of the disease.

Primary sialorrhea and its surgical treatment with denervation of the submandibular glands in combination with sublingual gland excision

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ablating postganglionic parasympathetic fibers of the submandibular ganglion in combination with sublingual gland excision in the treatment of primary sialorrhea. Materials and methodsHealthy volunteers were initially chosen to determine a basic saliva flow rate value by saliva collection. Next, unstimulated and stimulated saliva flow rates, and a visual analog scale index for sialorrhea were recorded in all the patients pre- and postoperatively. In addition, the generalized anxiety disorder scale was used to assess preoperative anxiety symptoms. The follow-up durations ranged from 24 to 36 months after surgery. ResultsA total of 10 patients were included in this study. Preoperatively, the mean unstimulated saliva flow rate for the 10 patients was 11.26 ± 4.19 ml/10 min, the stimulated saliva flow rate was 16.76 ± 3.49 ml/6 min, and the visual analog scale index was 66.29 ± 14.86. Postoperatively, the mean unstimulated and stimulated saliva flow rates were significantly reduced to 5.99 ± 1.33 ml/10 min (p = 0.001) and 13.28 ± 1.86 ml/6 min (p = 0.013), respectively, and the visual analog scale index was 25.41 ± 5.6 (p < 0.001). No complications were found after operation. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that ablation of postganglionic parasympathetic fibers of the submandibular ganglion in combination with sublingual gland excision by an intraoral approach is a simple, safe, and efficient approach for treating primary sialorrhea.

Salivary flow rates and buffer capacity and its relationship with oral health status: a cross-sectional study on crack-cocaine-addicted males

This cross-sectional study evaluated the saliva profile in crack-cocaine-addicted males and its relationship with dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral mucosal lesion (OML) using 148 adult male volunteers (37 addicted; 111 non-addicted) at the School of Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia. Data on decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT), periodontal disease and OML were collected from the clinical examination of the participants. Samples were analysed for the salivary flow rate (SFR) of unstimulated and wax-stimulated whole saliva and the saliva buffer capacity. Bivariate and regression analyses were conducted to assess the salivary profile and its association with the oral status of addicted participants (α = 0.05). The mean buffer capacity of stimulated saliva was significantly lower in the addicted participants (pH 5.2 ± 1.7) than in the non-addicted group (pH 5.8 ± 1.3, p = 0.03). In the addicted group, OML was associated with a stimulated SFR < 1.0 mL/min (OR = 11.98, 95% CI = 1.30-27.10, p = 0.04). The DMFT index and periodontal disease were not associated with the salivary profile, but with older age (OR = 7.20, 95% CI = 1.51-31.14, p = 0.01) and lower education levels (OR = 24.00, 95% CI = 1.68-341.00, p = 0.02), respectively. In conclusion, addiction was associated with the lower buffer capacity of stimulated saliva, and OML was associated with lower-stimulated salivary flow rate. Periodontal disease or DMFT was not associated with salivary factors in addicted males. Therapy approaches dealing with saliva status may be important for use with addicted males to reduce OMLs.

The Effect of Radiotherapy for Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer on Oral Flora and Saliva.

Radiotherapy causes xerostomia in patients treated for head and neck cancer. This study investigated changes in quality and quantity of saliva after radiotherapy and possible associations between these changes and alterations in oral flora. The study was a prospective cohort study of patients receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Suitable patients were recruited before treatment commenced, and informed consent was obtained. Patients were examined, and provided unstimulated and stimulated saliva samples. Quantity of saliva, buffering capacity and pH were measured. Oral flora was cultured from the saliva samples. Oral clearance of glucose and of lactose was measured. These interventions were repeated at intervals after radiotherapy had been completed. Eighteen patients were recruited. Stimulated and unstimulated saliva flow rates, glucose clearance, salivary pH and buffering capacity were significantly reduced after radiotherapy. Candida albicans counts were significantly increased. These increases were significantly correlated with reductions in stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rates. Counts of lactobacilli, Streptococcus mutans and Bifidobacteriaceae increased, but not statistically significantly. Therapeutic radiotherapy significantly reduced the quality and quantity of saliva in head and neck cancer patients. These reductions were associated with increased C. albicans counts.

A preliminary study on submariners with xerostomia after a 3-month deployment.

To observe the clinical manifestations and salivary secretion of xerostomia patients in submariners who engaged in a three-month deployment. The general conditions and clinical examination of the 136 submariners were evaluated, by which the patients with xerostomia were screened out and their clinical manifestations were recorded. Besides, the flow rate of unstimulated saliva and stimulated saliva was measured and calculated. Subsequently, the related factors of xerostomia were quantitatively classified and statistically analyzed. In all the involved submariners, 42 were diagnosed to have xerostomia by physical examination after they returned from the task, among which 71.4% showed a decrease in unstimulated salivary flow rate and it was significantly correlated with the accompanying symptoms and their general conditions. Therefore, it was concluded that the occurrence of xerostomia could be related to the service life and job responsibilities of the submariners. The main manifestations were the reduction of unstimulated salivary secretion and the accompanying clinical symptoms such as cheilosis and angular cheilitis. Noticeably, the high psychological pressure and harsh living conditions need to be concerned, and further study should place more concentrations on these comprehensive influence factors and preventive actions of xerostomia.

Analysis of salivary components as non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring chronic kidney disease

Saliva, a valuable source of biochemical information, is a potential diagnostic substance that helps to identify many diseases. Studies have revealed that saliva tests help identify many diseases. Saliva test has excellent advantages over blood test as the former can be collected non-invasively using simple equipment. This paper explores how salivary components can be used as diagnostic tool to identify chronic kidney disease (CKD). Experimental analysis was conducted to assess the levels of salivary components in whole saliva of CKD patients in contrast with healthy people. Urea and creatinine are the most accepted biomarkers of CKD. The correlation between creatinine and urea levels in human saliva and blood were analysed. Unstimulated saliva flow rate and pH levels were also monitored in this study. The results obtained from this study give concrete evidence that there is a positive correlation between creatinine and urea levels in blood and saliva. From the derived regression line equations, serum urea and creatinine values can be predicted from salivary values. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) performance analysis was performed and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95 and 0.89 was obtained for salivary creatinine and urea.

Salivary flow rate, total protein and pH in caries-free children and adolescents aged between 5 and 18 years

Introduction. Data regarding salivary flow and the levels of salivary components in developmental age are scarce and not fully consistent. Aim. The aim of the study was to compare unstimulated mixed saliva flow rate, pH and total protein in children aged between 5 and 18 years to obtain information on the functional maturation of salivary glands during the developmental period. Material and methods. A total of 90 children and adolescents (both sexes) aged between 5 and 18 years were examined. All subjects were caries-free (ICDA II score zero). Unstimulated mixed saliva was sampled from all patients to assess pH, total protein and flow rate. The subjects were divided into age groups 5-6, 13-14 and 18 years. The study was approved by the Bioethics Committee of the University (No. Nr KB-335/2013). Results. Significantly lower salivary flow rates were observed in 5-6 year olds vs. 13-14 and 18-year-olds. In contrast, pH values were significantly higher in the youngest group compared to older age groups. Total protein was the lowest in 5-6 year olds, higher in 13-14 year olds and the highest at the age of 18 years (significant difference between age groups of 5-6 and 18 years). A decreasing trend in pH values and an increasing one in protein levels were observed between the age groups. Considering the entire group of subjects, a positive correlation between age and salivary flow rate and protein levels, and a negative correlation with pH were found. Moreover, pH and protein levels decreased with increasing salivary flow. Conclusions. Unstimulated mixed saliva flow rate and total protein increase, while pH levels decrease between the ages of 5 to 18 years.

Salivary pH and flow rate in menopausal women.

This study aims at determining pH and Flow Rate (FR) of Unstimulated Whole Saliva (UWS) in a sample of 120 ♀ (60 menopausal women and 60 healthy fertile women with similar mean age); detecting the DMFT index (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth index) and evaluating any correlations between pH, FR, age and DMFT. Concerning the day before sample collection, patients were advised to keep a relaxed attitude and not to practice sports. They were also told to not eat or drink during the hour preceding sampling procedures. Saliva was collected via "spitting" method. Each sampling session started at 11:00 a.m., lasted for 5 minutes and used a pre-weighed, dry, deionized and sterile test tube. The procedure took place under controlled environmental temperature and humidity conditions (means 23.27°C; 60.08%). FR was evaluated via weighing technique and pH was measured with a portable pH-meter. There was a minimal but significant pH difference (0.11; p<0.05) between menopausal women (6.75 ± 0.34) and fertile women (6.86 ± 0.24); and a FR difference (0.19; p<0.0001) between menopausal women (0.29 ± 0.17 mL/min) and fertile women (0.48 ± 0.19 mL/min). Correlation (R2) between pH and age was 0.0135 for fertile women and 0.0055 for menopausal women; while the correlation between FR and age was 0.0673 for fertile women and 0.139 for menopausal women. Mean DMFT was 11.93 ± 7.14 in menopausal women and 12.23 ± 6.37 in fertile women. We observed a minimal decrease in pH and a decrease in FR in menopausal women. Further studies will be needed to investigate the possible role of other environmental and individual variables in the determination of such values.

Measurement of unstimulated salivary flow rate in healthy children aged 6 to 15 years

The aim of the present study was to measure unstimulated saliva flow rate (uSFR), pH value and buffer capacity in healthy children aged 6 to 15 years to serve as reference values for subsequent investigations, in particular to define threshold values for abnormality. Our basic data will power the limited amount of currently available data on salivary flow rate in healthy children. The uSFR was evaluated for correlations with pH value and buffer capacity. The unstimulated saliva of 274 children aged 6 to 15 years was collected (n: 154) by the spitting method within three minutes. The samples were examined immediately after saliva collection in terms of uSFR, pH value and buffer capacity. From the 274 participating children 18 were excluded due to the intake of medication. The medians (IQR) of uSFR of the tested children were 0.87 (0.54, 1.11) ml/min for boys, 0.65 (0.37, 0.98) ml/min for girls and 0.76 (0.49, 1.05) ml/min in total. The uSFR correlated with the pH value and the buffer capacity (p < 0.001). For different genders there was a statistically significant difference regarding uSFR (p = 0.008) and pH value (p = 0.016). Based on the available data, the pH value and the buffer capacity were closely related to the uSFR. Boys seemed to have a higher uSFR than girls.

Measurement of unstimulated salivary flow rate in healthy children aged 6 to 15 years

The aim of the present study was to measure unstimulated saliva flow rate (uSFR), pH value and buffer capacity in healthy children aged 6 to 15 years to serve as reference values for subsequent investigations, in particular to define threshold values for abnormality. Our basic data will power the limited amount of currently available data on salivary flow rate in healthy children. The uSFR was evaluated for correlations with pH value and buffer capacity. The unstimulated saliva of 274 children aged 6 to 15 years was collected (n: 154) by the spitting method within three minutes. The samples were examined immediately after saliva collection in terms of uSFR, pH value and buffer capacity. From the 274 participating children 18 were excluded due to the intake of medication. The medians (IQR) of uSFR of the tested children were 0.87 (0.54, 1.11) ml/min for boys, 0.65 (0.37, 0.98) ml/min for girls and 0.76 (0.49, 1.05) ml/min in total. The uSFR correlated with the pH value and the buffer capacity (p < 0.001). For different genders there was a statistically significant difference regarding uSFR (p = 0.008) and pH value (p = 0.016). Based on the available data, the pH value and the buffer capacity were closely related to the uSFR. Boys seemed to have a higher uSFR than girls.