Salivary Flow Rate Research Articles

Association between Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Periodontopathic Bacteria: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

The incidence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing annually as the metabolic syndrome factors increase. This study aimed to analyze the involvement of periodontopathic bacteria in NASH-related HCC (NASH-HCC). Questionnaire investigation, periodontal examination, medical examination, and specimen collection (saliva, mouth-rinsed water, and peripheral blood) were performed in 40 patients with NASH and in 20 patients with NASH-HCC. Immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibody titers against Porphyromonas gingivalis (p = 0.031) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (p = 0.003) were significantly higher in the NASH-HCC group than in the NASH group. P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum ratios were higher in the NASH-HCC group than in the NASH group; however, only F. nucleatum ratio was significant (p = 0.009). The Shannon index of salivary bacterial flora was significantly lower in the NASH-HCC group than in the NASH group (p < 0.001). The NASH-HCC group had a significantly lower salivary IgA concentration (p = 0.007) and a slower salivary IgA flow rate (p = 0.003). In all participants, the salivary IgA flow rate and the F. nucleatum ratio showed a significant negative correlation (p = 0.02). Oral P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum were possibly associated with NASH-HCC pathogenesis, and salivary IgA levels were correlated with F. nucleatum.

The effects of oral birth control pills (contraceptive pills) intake on lyophilized saliva and its oral manifestations

A woman is susceptible to oral diseases at various stages in her life span. Besides, multiple biological, behavioral, and social factors affect the general health condition. Many drugs or chemicals can influence the oral cavity & associated structures. An example of these drugs group is oral contraceptive pills (OCS) which women widely use to prevent pregnancy and determine the number of children, and hormonal therapy. This study aims to evaluate the effect of oral contraceptive pills use on salivary secretion and composition in addition to the occurrence of any oral manifestations with the uses of these drugs among women aged 16-45 years. The total number of sample subjects is 51 women. The samples were separated into two groups: The first group included 21 unmarried women with no previous experience with oral contraceptive pills (control group). In contrast, the second group consisted of 30 women who were married and using this drug (study group). This study is considered to be a comparative study between these two groups concerning the analysis of the salivary composition, unstimulated salivary flow rates and PH level: The results obtained from this study showed a marked significant difference in salivary analysis between the drug user & nonuser drug groups concerning the salivary flow rate while the PH had no statistical differences between them. However, the two groups had a significant difference in alkaline phosphatase enzyme. The salivary analysis showed highly substantial variations in immunoglobulin A (IgA) & total protein levels in saliva between control & study groups; also, in this study, there was a positive association between gingival inflammation with gingival index score (2) (80%), gingival index score (3) (100%) and duration for taking the drug. By this drug administration, the altered salivary flow rate & levels of salivary contents that include (secretary proteins, IgA and enzymes) may influence and play an essential role in oral & dental health. Keywords: saliva; oral health; oral contraceptive pills.

The potential impact of delivery mode and breastfeeding on oral Candida species carriage in a population of young adults.

In early life, children are exposed to microorganisms from maternal and environmental sources, which influence the development of their microbiome throughout life. Several studies have demonstrated the influence of the delivery mode and breastfeeding on the oral microbiome of children, mostly regarding bacterial colonization. However, their influence on the oral fungal carriage is still underexplored. This study aimed to assess the association of the delivery and feeding mode with the oral carriage of yeasts in adulthood. Fungal oral carriage was evaluated by collecting unstimulated saliva in 185 healthy dental students (mean age of 21.51±1.55 years old; 81.6% females). Yeast identification was performed by culture in ChromAgar Candida medium and sequencing of the 18S genes and ITS regions for determination of the species. Demographic and clinical data of each participant was recorded through questionnaires and oral examinations were performed in a subgroup of participants (n=49). Candida species were isolated in 37.5% of all participants. The prevalence of yeasts in the oral cavity was significantly higher in those who were born by vaginal delivery compared to those born by caesarean-section (p=0.035), whereas no statistically significant differences were observed regarding breastfeeding (p=0.398). Low salivary flow rate and frequency of dental visits also were associated with oral yeast carriage (p<0.05). Our study suggests a possible impact of the type of delivery on fungal colonization, which is sustained throughout life due to oral health-related factors.

Salivary Flow Rate and Oral Status in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome and Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Determination of salivary flow rate and oral status in patients with primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) and comparison with control subjects. Thirty-one pSS patients, 28 dcSSc patients, and 28 control subjects participated in this single-center, cross-sectional study. Unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR) and stimulated whole salivary flow rate (SWSFR), salivary pH, DMFT index (D-decayed, M-missing, F-filled tooth), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), interincisal distance, and OHRQoL (oral health-related quality of life) were analyzed in all three groups of subjects. Primary SS and dcSSc patients had statistically significant lower values of UWSFR (0.20; 0.38 vs. 0.91 mL/min) and SWSFR (0.56; 0.70 vs. 1.64 mL/min) compared with control subjects (p < 0.001, Kruskal-Wallis test). Salivary pH values were statistically significantly lower in pSS and dcSSc patients compared with control subjects (6.00; 6.25 vs. 7.00, respectively) (p < 0.001, Kruskal-Wallis test). The DMFT index of dcSSc patients was higher (28.50) and statistically significant compared to control subjects (20.00) (p = 0.01). The prevalence of periodontitis was the same in pSS and dcSSc patients and control subjects (p = 0.384). Primary SS and dcSSc patients had a statistically significant decreased interincisal distance compared to control subjects (43.80; 38.00 vs. 48.00) (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively). Primary SS and dcSSc patients show decreased UWSFR and SWSFR, salivary pH values closer to an acidic medium, higher DMFT index, higher prevalence of periodontitis, decreased interincisal distance, and poorer OHRQoL, i.e., poor oral and periodontal health.

Diagnostic value of ultrasound evaluation of major salivary glands for Sjögren’s syndrome based on the novel OMERACT scoring system

ObjectiveThe novel Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT) scoring system was used to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of major salivary gland ultrasonography (SGUS) for Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Materials and methodsSGUS was performed on the parotid glands (PGs) and submandibular glands of 242 patients (145 patients with SS and 97 patients without SS) using the OMERACT scoring system (grade 0–3). We also evaluated the association of SGUS scores with unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSF), stimulated whole salivary flow rate (SWSF), and labial salivary gland biopsy (LSGB) results. ResultsThe SGUS scores were significantly higher for the SS group than for the non-SS group (p < 0.001). Using a cutoff value of 8 for the total score yielded the highest sensitivity (76%), specificity (90%), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC, 0.828). The correlation between SGUS scores and salivary gland function was moderate to good. A cutoff value of 10 for the total score was more effective in predicting SWSF outcomes than UWSF outcomes (sensitivity: 73% > 58%, specificity: 98% > 87%, and AUC: 0.856 > 0.723). The association of OMERACT scores with LSGB results was fair to moderate. Among 61 anti-SSA-negative patients, 17 had positive PG scores (including ten SS and seven non-SS patients), and 44 had negative PG scores (including 37 non-SS and seven SS patients). ConclusionThe OMERACT scoring system had good sensitivity and excellent specificity, demonstrating excellent diagnostic potential for SS and efficacy in assessing salivary gland function. Negative SGUS results may help reduce unnecessary biopsies in anti-SSA-negative patients.

Discordance between hyposalivation and xerostomia among community-dwelling older adults in Japan.

Individuals with an objective decrease in salivary flow (objective dry mouth) may not be aware of subjective dry mouth (xerostomia). However, no clear evidence exists to explain the discordance between subjective and objective dry mouth. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of xerostomia and decreased salivary flow among community-dwelling elderly adults. In addition, this study assessed several potential demographic and health status determinants of the discrepancy between xerostomia and reduced salivary flow. The 215 participants in this study were community-dwelling older people aged 70 years and above who underwent dental health examinations between January-February 2019. Symptoms of xerostomia were collected in the form of a questionnaire. The unstimulated salivary flow rate (USFR) was measured by a dentist using visual inspection. The stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR) was measured using the Saxon test. We identified 19.1% of participants as having mild-severe USFR decline with xerostomia and 19.1% as having mild-severe USFR decline without xerostomia. Additionally, 26.0% of participants had low SSFR and xerostomia, and 40.0% had low SSFR without xerostomia. Except for the age trend, no factors could be associated with the discordance between USFR measurement and xerostomia. Furthermore, no significant factors were associated with the discordance between the SSFR and xerostomia. However, females were significantly associated (OR = 2.608, 95% CI = 1.174-5.791) with low SSFR and xerostomia, as compared to males. Age was a factor that was also significantly associated (OR = 1.105, 95% CI = 1.010-1.209) with low SSFR and xerostomia. Our findings indicate that approximately 20% of the participants had low USFR without xerostomia, and 40% had low SSFR without xerostomia. This study showed that age, sex, and the number of medications may not be factors in the discrepancy between the subjective feeling of dry mouth and reduced salivary flow.

Effect of Pilocarpine Mouthwash on Salivary Flow Rate in Patients with Xerostomia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Xerostomia is a subjective sensation of dry mouth considered as a complex state affecting multiple oral functions. Pilocarpine may be a useful medication for the treatment of xerostomia, but its side effects limit its use under certain conditions. Recent studies have focused on the pilocarpine mouthwash as an alternative. We have undertaken this study to review the latest available scientific evidence systematically, concerning the effects of pilocarpine mouthwash on salivary flow rate in patients with xerostomia. An electronic search for randomized controlled trials published in English until September 2021 related to pilocarpine mouthwash and salivary flow rate in patients with dry mouth was performed in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Embase, and Scopus. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between the groups. Two papers with 86 patients were selected for the final review based on strict eligibility criteria. According to the results of the meta-analysis, the mean visual analogue scale in the patient treated with pilocarpine mouthwash was 0.88 unit lower than that of the control group in the fourth week follow; however, it was not statistically significant (pooled mean difference=-0.88, 95% CI = (-2.72; 0.95), p= 0.34). It seems that the use of pilocarpine mouthwash can increase the salivary flow rates; however, no optimal dose and application regimen can currently be suggested due to the high heterogeneity of the data. Regarding the relief of the symptoms using pilocarpine mouthwash, the existing evidence does not support its effectiveness.

Mask-mouth syndrome: a looming oral health concern.

Mask-mouth syndrome: a looming oral health concern.

Associations of diagnostic findings with disease activity in primary Sjӧgren's syndrome: a cluster analysis

ObjectiveThe diagnosis of primary Sjӧgren's syndrome still relies upon a constellation of clinical, laboratory, imaging, and pathological findings. We aimed to evaluate the relation of the disease activity with the results of diagnostic tests for primary Sjӧgren's syndrome. MethodsA principal component with cluster analysis was performed to classify 69 patients with primary Sjӧgren's syndrome based on the results of diagnostic evaluations. ResultsAnti-SSA autoantibody was the most represented feature on the principal components. The anti-SSA and ultrasound score were positively correlated (p=0.001). We identified two distinct clusters of low or high disease activity (p<0.001). Except for disease duration and serum beta2-microglobulin, the clusters were significantly different in salivary flow (p= 0.004), ultrasound findings (p<0.001), IgG (p= 0.001), and salivary beta2-microglobulin (p= 0.048). Also, positive findings were significantly different between the clusters in rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibody, anti-SSA, and anti-SSB (all p≤0.013). ConclusionPatients with higher syndrome activity were best recognized with serological and ultrasound assessments. However, patients with lower syndrome activity had a longer disease duration, higher stimulated salivary flow rate, and a positive biopsy of minor salivary glands (56%).

Xerogenic medications may contribute to decreased unstimulated salivary flow in patients with oral burning and/or gastro-esophageal reflux disease

BackgroundPatients who complain of mucosal burning sensations (i.e., glossodynia and gastro-esophageal reflux disease, GERD) often take multiple medications. However, the relationship between xerogenic medication intake and salivary flow in these patients has not been thoroughly examined.MethodsA retrospective study of 192 consecutive patients diagnosed with glossodynia (ICD-10-CM) at a regional center over a six-year period was performed. Data from electronic health records were extracted and relationships between medication intake, unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR), xerostomia and GERD were determined by chi-square, t-test, and correlation analysis.ResultsOf 134 records that met inclusion criteria, 87.1% of patients reported daily intake of one or more xerogenic medications. Two or more xerogenic medications were taken significantly more often by patients with glossodynia reporting GERD than those with glossodynia without GERD (p = .02). UWSFR was negatively correlated with number of medications [r(103) = −.277, p = .005] and xerogenic medications [r(103) = −.195, p = .049]. The lowest UWSFR was observed with use of trazodone and cyclobenzaprine.ConclusionsDaily xerogenic medication intake, hyposalivation, and xerostomia were commonly present and potentially interrelated in patients who suffer from glossodynia and/or GERD.Practical implicationsClinicians should be aware of the consequences of prescribing multiple and certain xerogenic medications in reducing UWSFR, especially in patients physiologically at risk of hyposalivation such as those suffering from GERD and/or glossodynia.

The Effect of Controlled Diabetic and Non-diabetic Saliva on Candida albicans Adherence to Heat Polymerized Acrylic Resin Discs

Background: Oral candidiasis is one of the most common infections in diabetic patients that may occur due to a decrease in salivary flow rate, alterations in the salivary composition, or both. This study aimed to investigate the effect of diabetic and non-diabetic saliva on Candida albicans adherence to the acrylic resin disc specimens, regardless of saliva volume. Methods: In this case-control study, the population consisted of 26 subjects in 2 groups (13 diabetic patients and 13 non-diabetic patients). In both groups, unstimulated whole saliva was collected. It was investigated for pH, salivary flow rate, and adhesion of C. albicans to polymethylmethacrylate disc. After preparing the polymethylmethacrylate discs, the samples were stored in diabetic saliva, non-diabetic saliva, and distilled water (negative control group) for 60 minutes at 37ºC. Then they were immersed in the yeast suspensions containing C. albicans and stained with gram stain. Yeast cells were counted using a light microscope. Results: The pH of unstimulated whole saliva in diabetic patients was significantly lower than in the control group. There was no significant difference between the flow rates of saliva in the two groups. Findings indicated that the adhesion of C. albicans to resin in diabetic saliva was higher than in non-diabetic saliva. Conclusion: This study showed the same amount of salivary flow rate in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals, lower pH, and higher Candida adherence to heat polymerization acrylic resin in the diabetic group.

Evaluation of the Effect of Xerostomia and Hyposalivation on Oral Health Related Quality of Life among Polymedicated Patients

Aim: To evaluate the effect of xerostomia &amp; hyposalivation on oral health related quality of life among polymedicated patients.&#x0D; Study Design: A descriptive cross sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Saliva samples were obtained from the participants and Questionnaires were answered in the Department of Oral Medicine &amp; Radiology, Lenora Institute of Dental Sciences, Andhra Pradesh, from 12th Oct 2021 to 25th Nov 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 62 polymedicated subjects who are regularly administered with any two of the following medications: anticonvulsants, antidepressants, oral hypoglycemics, antihypertensives, antihistamines for more than 1 year were randomly selected. The stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rates of subjects were recorded using sialometry. The subjects further answered Oral Health Impact Profile Questionnaire (OHIP-14sp) and all the obtained values were analyzed using Spearman correlation test with a significant P value of 0.05 and SPSS version 23.&#x0D; Results: The presence of hyposalivation and xerostomia was observed in majority of the study population. Patients with hyposalivation revealed a mean score of 9.50±3.25 and 15.0 ± 6.8 with the OHIP and SXI questionnaires respectively, with a P value of .10 which was considered statistically significant.&#x0D; Conclusion: The correlation of SXI and OHIP-14sp scores with the prevalence of xerostomia and hyposalivation suggests the need for preventive measures related to oral health among polymedicated patients.

A Prospective Study of Recovery of Salivary Gland Function After Calculus Removal by Sialendoscopy.

Sialendoscopy is gaining popularity in treating obstructive sialolithiasis as a gland preserving procedure. The study aimed to determine if the salivary glands recovered apart from symptomatic improvement after interventional sialendoscopy for calculus removal. A prospective comparative study was conducted in a tertiary care center on 24 patients diagnosed with sialolithiasis. The eligibility criterion was patients who underwent calculus removal through interventional sialendoscopy. All patients underwent objective and subjective methods of assessments of function of the salivary glands with the help of salivary Technetium (Tc) 99 Scintigraphy, measurement of salivary flow rate, Chronic obstructive sialadenitis symptoms (COSS), and xerostomia index (XI) questionnaires. Assessments were done before the procedure and repeated after 3months. Categorical variables were expressed using frequency and percentage. Numerical variables were represented using mean and standard deviation. To test the statistical significance of the difference in the mean of the four parameters Wilcoxen sign ranked test was used. According to our study improvement in functionality was noted in all of the subjective and objective parameters assessed namely Tc scintigraphy, salivary flow rate, COSS questionnaire, and XI questionnaire, with a statistically significant p value (< 0.001). Functionality of salivary gland showed improvement within 3months of calculus removal through sialendoscopy. There was a marked improvement in the symptoms after sialendoscopy. This study demonstrates that removal of obstructing calculus results in rapid recovery of glandular function thereby emphasizing the need for salivary gland preservation. Level of evidence: Level III.

Decreased salivary beta-defensin 2 in children with asthma after treatment with corticosteroid inhaler.

Asthma is the most common chronic disorder in childhood. Inhaled corticosteroid therapy is currently the most effective treatment for Asthma. The oral cavity complications related to this treatment may be in terms of the changes in the innate immune system of mouth. Salivary defensin has many immunomodulatory properties. The expression of beta-defensin 2 was measured before and after inhaled corticosteroid treatment in children with asthma to determine the potential impact of corticosteroids on defensin expression. The present study was a cohort study conducted on the patients referred to Children's Medical Center for whom a diagnosis of Asthma was confirmed, and inhaled corticosteroid therapy was prescribed. Saliva was sampled once at the stage of diagnosis and before receiving any treatment. Another salivary sample was collected 4weeks after receiving corticosteroids. ELISA was performed to assess beta-defensin 2. The beta-defensin 2 salivary level after inhaled corticosteroid therapy was significantly lower than before treatment. There is no significant difference in the salivary flow rate before and after treatment. Considering the limitations of the present study, the following conclusions can be made salivary beta-defensin 2 is decreased in children with asthma after treatment with a corticosteroid inhaler. Regular dental and oral soft tissue examinations in Asthmatic children under corticosteroid therapy could be suggested.

Changes in Salivary Biochemistry Associated with Helicobacter Pylori Positivity in Patients with Chronic Gastritis

Introduction: The invasive endoscopic-biopsy approach is the one that is used the vast majority of the time for diagnosing and monitoring chronic gastritis. Finding non-invasive laboratory indicators would be beneficial for the patient in terms of both cost and convenience. It is becoming more and more well-known that saliva, in addition to its vital protective role for the digestive system, may also be employed as an efficient non-invasive diagnostic material. Aim: To detect and define biochemical characteristics in the saliva of chronic gastritis patients (both HP+ and HP-) and compare these values to those observed in healthy people, and search for correlations between the levels of these biochemical in the serum and in the saliva in order to ultimately use these biochemical as a diagnostic tool. Method: The design of this study was a cross sectional study design and this study was conducted at Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. Subjective symptoms, serological data, and endoscopic findings were used to identify the disease activity in a total of 60 patients with chronic gastritis (44HP+ and 16HP-) from this research. The average age of the patients was anything from 58.73 to 12.08. The average age of the control group participants was 56.868.67, and they were all in excellent health and not smokers. Analyses made use of unstimulated saliva and serum. Stool samples are tested for albumin, total protein, uric acid, and secretory immunoglobulin A. (sIg A). To evaluate their efficacy, we employ a biochemical analyzer (Olympus AU 640) and an ELISA reader (an adaptation of the processes for oral fluid). Results: Compared to the control group, HP+ patients had considerably greater sIgA and TP levels. However, UA did not show a comparable trend. We found that only UA had a correlation with both saliva and serum levels. It was shown that there was an inverse relationship between UA and endoscopic markers of inflammation. As a defense mechanism against the oxidative stress, salivary flow rate abnormalities, and inflammation that had occurred in the stomach, these alterations are being hypothesized. Practical implication: The significance of this study is to see whether specific biochemical parameters may be utilised as a diagnostic tool in the future by comparing the levels in the blood and those detected in the saliva of those patients having chronic gastritis (both HP+ and HP-) Conclusion: In patients with HP+ chronic gastritis, the findings show that there are considerable changes in the characteristics of their saliva. Saliva is a biological substance that has certain limitations, but it is an excellent indicator of the pathological processes occurring in the digestive system, particularly in the case of HP+ infection. Keywords: Uric Acid, Total Protein, Saliva, Sig A, And HP+ Chronic Gastritis Albumin

Integrated therapy of intraductal irrigations and sialoendoscopies of salivary glands to improve mouth dryness.

To assess the combination of salivary gland intraductal irrigations (IG) followed by sialoendoscopy irrigations (SI) of the parotid gland on the improvement of salivary gland secretory dysfunction (SGSD). We retrospectively analyzed the records of SGSD patients who underwent major salivary gland IG followed by SI during 2014-2020. Records included demographics, systemic background, signs, and symptoms. Improvement was assessed by comparing the mean unstimulated and stimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSF, SWSF) from the baseline point (before IG procedure) to the last point (after SI) using repeated measures. The between-subjects effects of various factors and covariants were analyzed using repeated measures ANCOVA. One hundred patients were included with an age range of 15-83 years (mean age of 60.1 ± 13.1 years). Improvement was detected on UWSF measurements (p= 0.031, F= 3.83), but not on SWSF measurements (p= 0.165, F= 1.85). The between-subjects effects on UWSF measurements were statistically significant for sex (p= 0.003, F= 9.526) and salivary gland manipulators use (p< 0.001, F= 15.107) and for the interaction between sex and salivary gland manipulators use (p-=0.002, F= 9.709). Results of long-term follow-up for 10.87 ± 11.79 months after the SI procedure demonstrated sustained improvement in UWSF measurements (p=0.011, F=4.91). The combination of IG followed by SI increases UWSF salivary secretion in SGSD patients for a relatively extended duration.

Comparison of salivary flow rate and pH between healthy subjects and tobacco and areca nut chewers.

Tobacco and areca nuts release carcinogens, which cause alterations in saliva. Evaluation of these changes through estimation of salivary flow rate and pH was performed in tobacco and areca nut chewers and apparently healthy subjects. The study group for this comparative study comprised 60 subjects with 20 areca nut chewers (group 1), 20 tobacco chewers (group 2), and 20 non-tobacco and areca nut chewers (group 3) in the ages between 18 and 75 years. After collection of saliva from each subject, the salivary flow rate (SFR) was measured by using graduated tubes, whereas salivary pH was measured using a digital salivary pH meter. Tukey HSD post hoc test was performed for comparison of mean SFR and mean pH between study group subjects. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to find the mean difference in SFR and pH in duration, intensity, and frequency among various types of areca nut and tobacco users. A "P" value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The mean age among groups 1, 2, and 3 was 37.70 ± 10.44, 39.75 ± 10.16, and 37.90 ± 10.52 years, respectively, with a statistically insignificant difference. The mean salivary flow rate (ml/20 min) was maximum in group 3 (13.23), followed by group 2 (11.75) and group 1 (10.48), with the statistically significant difference as P < 0.05. The mean salivary pH was maximum in group 3 (7.07), followed by group 2 (6.86) and group 1 (6.49), with the statistically significant difference as P < 0.05. Long-term use of tobacco and areca nuts in a chewable form can significantly reduce the salivary flow rate and salivary pH. Hence, these measurements can be used as chair side, non-invasive measures for assessing pathological changes in oral mucosa linked to vulnerable effects among people addicted to these adverse habits; thereby, early re-organization can prevent mobility and mortality.

The relationship between oral fluid microcrystalization and child affection by dental caries

The aim of the paper was to study the microcrystallization of oral fluid and to affect children through tooth decay. 148 children between the ages of 7 and 10 were clinically examined. Indices of tooth decay frequency and carious experience were estimated. Salivary flow rate, saliva pH and salivary buffering capacity were studied using the Saliva–Check Buffer Kit, GC. The study of microcrystallization of oral fluid (OF) was performed by the method of drop dehydration. The study was performed in accordance with the requirements of the Code of Ethics in scientific research. A direct relationship was established between intense carious activity and the decrease of the degree of microcrystallization of OF. Conclusions: the main advantages of the research of the crystallographic properties of OF are the non–invasiveness, the simplicity of the realization and the accessibility of the sampling of the studied substrate, thus offering new perspectives in clinical trials. The study of OF microcrystallization in children with dental caries elucidated a series of markers of changes in the oral cavity that can be used later in screening research, in dental practice, in the development of preventive measures and evaluation of their effectiveness.

Biochemical Changes of Saliva in patients with Radiotherapy in comparison to healthy subjects

Background: radiotherapy for the treatment of head and neckcancer can produce damage to tissue and specifically salivary glands, causing an alteration in composition of saliva accompanied with oral mucositis. The present study was designed to investigate the changes in saliva components before and after irradiation in comparison to control. Methods: Sixty human male participate in this study. Thirty of them were patients with head and neck cancer prior to and after radiotherapy were evaluated for constituents of saliva and compared with other thirty free of cancer as a control group. Collection of 2ml of stimulated saliva with biochemical analysis of (buffering capacity, salivary amylase and salivary total protein) were done for all subjects. Results: the current findings show an increment in salivary flow rate for irradiate patients compared to control. while reduction in buffer capacity was observed in irradiate patient in comparison to control. Results for both salivary amylase and salivary total protein illustrated a reduction in their concentration before and after irradiation in comparison to control with significant difference value. Conclusion: Radiotherapy affects salivary glands causing alteration in biochemical components of saliva and may cause oral tissue damage.

Old Age, Female Sex, and Psychotropic Medications Predict Hyposalivation But Not Heart Rate Variability.

To explore risk factors for dry mouth and examine the clinical utility of the heart rate variability (HRV) test in the prediction of dry mouth. Every outpatient, who underwent tests for both unstimulated salivary flow and HRV, was retrospectively reviewed. After excluding seven subjects, the demographics and clinical factors in 70 total patients were collected. Based on objective salivary flow rates, patients were classified into normal (≥0.2 mL/min) or hyposalivation groups (<0.2 mL/min), and inter-group comparisons were performed with a two-tailed statistical significance of 0.05. Patients with subjective dry mouth were significantly more likely to show hyposalivation. Advanced age, female sex, and current use of psychotropic medications were identified as risk factors for dry mouth. However, dry mouth was not associated with any HRV parameters. HRV test did not demonstrate a clinical utility in predicting dry mouth. Because subjective dry mouth is significantly associated with objective hyposalivation, a simple probing question would be useful for early recognition of dry mouth. Clinical attention is required for patients meeting criteria of older age, female, and/or using psychotropic prescriptions. Prompt management of hyposalivation may improve quality of life and clinical outcome by enhanced treatment adherence.