Salivary Viscosity Research Articles

Effects of Self-Perceived Oral Health and Stress Levels on Subjective Oral Symptoms and Lifestyle of University Students in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Self-perceived oral health is related to clinical and subjective oral factors, socioeconomic factors, perceived stress, and oral health behavior. However, limited studies have examined whether self-perceived oral health is related to dry mouth, salivary viscosity, or lifestyle factors. Accordingly, this study aimed to verify the effect of self-perceived oral health and stress levels on subjective oral symptoms and lifestyle. The responses of 644 university students who agreed to participate in the study were analyzed. A chi-square test was used to determine whether self-perceived oral health and stress levels showed significant differences based on subjective oral symptoms and lifestyle. Logistic regression was used to analyze the effect of subjective oral symptoms and periodontal disease diagnosis on self-perceived oral health. Subjective oral symptom factors that showed significant differences depending on self-perceived oral health included gingival bleeding or pain, dry mouth, and saliva viscosity, and depending on lifestyle factors included the frequency of tooth brushing and beverage consumption. Additionally, subjective oral symptoms influenced self-perceived oral health. Self-perceived oral health was negative when there was gingival bleeding, pain (odds ratio (OR)=0.594, p=0.002), and dry mouth (OR=0.577, p=0.001). This study's results showed that self-perceived oral health significantly impacts gingival bleeding, pain, and dry mouth. Therefore, government intervention must provide and manage innovative and efficient education programs that promote self-perceived oral health management habits and maintenance and improvement of oral health.

Salivary Profile Analysis Based on Oral Cancer Risk Habits: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study.

In Indonesia, cultural practices such as betel quid chewing, smoking, and alcohol consumption are prevalent. These practices are known risk factors for oral cancer and may influence the salivary profile, which is essential for maintaining oral health. To compare the salivary profiles of individuals with and without risk factors for oral cancer. The study included 49 individuals identified as having risk factors for oral cancer. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected. Various parameters were measured, including salivary pH, flow rate (FR), thickness, color, turbidity, and the levels of IL-1β and IL-8. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and t-tests. A significant difference was found in salivary IL-1β levels between the two groups (p = 0.009), with higher levels observed in individuals with oral cancer risk factors. Notably, the salivary IL-1β concentrations showed significant differences between the smoking group (p = 0.021; OR = 2.94) and the alcohol-drinking group (p = 0.007; OR = 4.96) compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of salivary viscosity, color, turbidity, flow rate, acidity, or IL-8 levels (p > 0.05). Individuals with risk factors for oral cancer exhibit distinct salivary IL-1β profiles compared to those without such risk factors, particularly those who practice alcohol drinking.

Description of Saliva Viscosity in Underweight Toddlers among 3-5 Years at Silo II Health Center Working Area Jember Regency

Background; Underweight is a health issue as one of the causes of infant mortality. UNICEF states that underweight contributes to more than one-third of the 9,2 million children under 5 years old, which succumb to death. Underweight toddlers have the potential to increase the risk of dental caries and disrupt the growth of salivary glands, leading to a decreased saliva flow rate. In underweight children, the lack of nutrition during the growth period can have a permanent impact on salivary glands and result in high saliva viscosity. Objective: This research was conducted in the working area of Silo II Community Health Center in Jember Regency, with the aim of examining the characteristics of saliva in underweight toddlers aged 3-5 years, especially about salivary viscosity. Material and Methods: A total of 161 toddlers were the subjects of the study, and saliva was collected using the unstimulated spitting method, followed by the measurement of saliva viscosity using an Ostwald viscometer. Results: The research findings indicate that underweight toddlers have high saliva viscosity with an average of 15,72 cP. Analysis based on age variables shows that 3-4-year-old toddlers have the highest average saliva viscosity (15,77 cP), while based on the severity of underweight, toddlers categorized as severely underweight have the highest average saliva viscosity (17,15 cP). Conclusions: In conclusion, the condition of saliva viscosity in underweight toddlers in the operational area of Puskesmas Silo II indicates high values, attributed to the insufficient intake of nutrients during the growth period..

SALIVARY CHARACTERISTICS AMONG 12-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN WITH SIGNIFICANT CARIES INDEX FROM URBAN AND SUBURBAN SCHOOLS IN CAN THO CITY

Background: Dental caries is the most prevalent chronic childhood disease with numerous predisposing factors. Salivary properties have been linked to progressive dental caries in previous studies. However, the role of these contributing factors in the management of dental caries in children remains insufficient. Thus, the investigation of salivary characteristics from different types of communities within a specific pediatric population is an obvious demand. Objectives: To assess the salivary characteristics among school-going children aged 12 years from two urban and suburban schools in Can Tho city. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 62 twelve-year-old students with significant caries index in two locations with different socioeconomic status in Can Tho city. Those participants underwent saliva testing by using a saliva testing kit (Saiva-Check BUFFER) to evaluate stimulated and unstimulated saliva parameters including consistency, flow rate, pH and buffering capacity. Results: Out of the total population, males and females made up 40.3% and 59.7%, respectively. Both boys and girls had similarities in all salivary parameters (p > 0.05). Nearly half of suburban students (48.4%) had resting frothy bubbly saliva while more than half of urban students (58.1%) had watery clear saliva at rest. All students had moderate and normal acidic saliva before and after stimulation regardless of living areas. The discrepancy in resting salivary viscosity, resting salivary pH was statistically significant based on region (p < 0.05). 64.5% of the students in both suburban and urban enclaves had a normal stimulated saliva flow rate. In contrast, a normal or high buffering capacity of stimulated saliva was only seen in a few students. Regarding the flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity of stimulated saliva, there were no differences between urban and suburban areas (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this study provide additional proof of the significance of salivary properties in assessing dental caries, especially in socioeconomic deprivation areas. Furthermore, it also implies that salivary parameters should be taken into account as a potential indicator for managing high caries-risk children.

Association between dental caries experience and salivary profile among autoimmune thyroid disease subjects - a cross-sectional comparative study.

Background: Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects women between the ages of 30 and 50. It has been hypothesised that AITD causes salivary glands to produce less saliva due to its endocrine effects. Studies showing the effect of AITD on salivary glands are very scarce. The aim of this study was to compare AITD patients with controls who were of a similar age and gender in terms of salivary metrics and the prevalence of dental caries. Methods: 200 subjects in Bangalore city (100 AITD subjects and 100 healthy subjects as controls) participated in a cross-sectional study. Subjective oral dryness was assessed using Farsi's criteria. Salivary parameters and caries were assessed using GC Saliva-Check BUFFER kit and WHO caries criteria respectively. Descriptive and analytical statistics were done. Significant data was defined as a p value of <0.05. Results: When compared to controls, the AITD group had substantially more subjective mouth dryness and dental caries. Unstimulated (USFR) and stimulated salivary flow rate (SFR), pH and buffering capacity were reduced in AITD group whereas viscosity was high. There was a significant negative correlation between USFR, SFR, subjective oral dryness and dental caries. In a linear regression, there was no association between age, gender, socioeconomic status (SES), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), salivary viscosity, pH, buffering capacity and dental caries. Dental caries, USFR and SFR demonstrated a substantial relationship. Conclusions: The present research may indicate an underlying association between thyroid and salivary gland dysfunction resulting in oral dryness and high dental caries experience.

Effect of black coffee and black tea consumption on pH, flow rate, and viscosity of saliva

Introduction: Saliva is a mixture of various fluids found in the oral cavity. Saliva is an essential factor that plays a role in preventing dental caries and tooth demineralization. This study aims to determine the effect before and after consuming black coffee and black tea. Methods: The type of research used is descriptive quantitative. The research method is quasi-experimental with a cross-sectional approach, where data collection on the affected and affected variables is carried out almost simultaneously. The design uses a pre-test and post-test design. This research was conducted on May 20, 2021, with 40 female respondents. The instruments used were pH check sheets, plastic pots, and pH strips. Results: Before the black coffee intervention, salivary pH showed a very alkaline condition with a value of 7.2, and then decreased to 6.8 after the black coffee intervention. Before the intervention of black tea, the salivary pH was 6.9, and after the intervention, the salivary pH increased to 7.2. The salivary flow rate before the intervention of black coffee was 1.82, and after consumption, it decreased to 0.60. Meanwhile, the salivary flow rate before the intervention of black tea was 0.85, and it increased after the intervention of black tea to 1.90. Before the intervention of black coffee, salivary viscosity was 4.03 and increased to 5.75 after the intervention of black coffee. At the same time, the salivary viscosity value before the intervention of black tea was 4.30 to 3.03 after the intervention of black tea. The results showed an influence between black coffee and black tea consumption on pH, salivary flow rate, and viscosity. Conclusion: Black coffee and black tea are proven to reduce pH and flow rate and increase salivary viscosity, while black tea can increase pH and flow rate and decrease salivary viscosity.

Investigating the Facets of Physical Activity Related to Schoolbag Carriage- Highlighting the Lacunae that Exists

Schoolbag carriage is the most common physical activity performed among school children. The relevant scientific explorations in this regard, has entailed investigation of consequent pain, muscle activity and related fatigue. General fatigue reportedly alters the sensation of thirst and salivary viscosity. Fatigue, thirst and saliva viscosity is also related to neurological performance and alacrity. Moreover, general fatigue is also reflected in eye muscles and visual processing is an integral part of learning in school children. The purpose of this review is to explore these facets of physical activity in relation to schoolbag carriage and in the process extracting the lacunae that exists in exploring the physical activity schoolbag carriage.

SIALOMETRIC CHANGES IN PATIENTS UNDER CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

<h3>Objectives</h3> The objective of this study was to summarize the theoretical contributions concerning the sialometric changes occurring in patients during chemotherapy treatment. <h3>Study Design</h3> This study is a narrative review of the literature through secondary data analysis. The literature survey was carried out from March to April 2021 using the Virtual Health Library, Scielo, and PubMed as the databases and with the descriptors "Salivary Glands," "Hyposalivation," "Cancer," and "Chemotherapy." The included studies were published in the previous 10 years in any language. <h3>Results</h3> Chemotherapy was responsible for altering salivary flow in patients due to the high sensitivity of oral structures to the toxic effects of chemotherapy drugs. The studies used the tests of unstimulated sialometry and stimulated sialometry for the sialometric evaluation of patients. The results showed a reduction in the average salivary flow rate and high salivary viscosity. Changes in pH were also observed and decreased during and after treatment. The behavior in children undergoing antineoplastic treatment was opposite to that found in adults. The salivary flow and salivary pH remained the same during chemotherapy. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Adult patients developing antineoplastic therapy using chemotherapy drugs have a marked reduction in salivary flow and salivary pH.

Investigating the impact of coffee consumption and cigarette smoking in the oral cavity and periodontal tissues

Relevance. Modern studies demonstrate that the combination of smoking and coffee drinking adversely affects the whole body, not only the oral mucosa. The study aimed to investigate the impact of coffee consumption and smoking in the oral mucosa and periodontal tissues.Materials and methods. We examined 60 dental patients, mean age of 22.1 ± 0.3 years old. The first group included nonsmoking coffee drinkers, the second – non-coffee-drinkers-smokers, the third – smokers- coffee-drinkers. In all patients, we determined hygiene and periodontal indices: PMA (papillary-marginal-attached) index Parma, Muhlemann sulcus bleeding index (SBI) modified by Cowell, simplified Green-Vermillion Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-s). The study examined microcirculation in periodontal tissues using Doppler ultrasound. We took patients’ blood pressure and heart rate to study salivary flow rate, pH and viscosity according to the Redinova-Pozdeev technique.Results. The combination of coffee consumption and smoking affects the dynamics of the blood flow (BP, HR). The study of periodontal tissue blood supply revealed a significant increase in microcirculation in non-smoking coffee drinkers. Smoking negatively affected periodontal blood supply, namely periodontal circulation decreased, while general circulation parameters increased after smoking. In all studied groups, salivary flow rate increased, and saliva pH and viscosity decreased. The third group exhibited the most significant changes in these parameters.Conclusion. Combined coffee consumption and smoking deter periodontal microcirculation, cause significant adverse changes in the oral fluid, and may take their toll on dental health.

Effect of an Oral Health Preventive Protocol on Salivary Parameters and Gingival Health of Children with Type 1 Diabetes.

ContextType 1 diabetic children exhibit poorer oral health than general population. However, no oral health preventive protocol exists for attending to the oral health needs of such children.AimTo evaluate the effect of an oral health preventive protocol on salivary parameters and gingival health of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus over a period of 6 months.Materials and methodsFifty diabetic children, aged 6–12 years were selected and divided into two groups. Children in group I received a comprehensive oral health preventive protocol. The parameters recorded were oral hygiene practices, salivary flow rate, pH, buffer capacity, viscosity, electrolytes, and plaque and gingival indices. These were compared at baseline, 3-, and 6-month intervals.Statistical analysisStatistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS STATISTICS (version 22.0). Tests were based on the type of data.ResultsThe intervention group (group I) showed favorable improvements in the parameters assessed. A greater number of participants adopted the correct oral hygiene methods. Unstimulated salivary flow rate increased from 0.36 ± 0.21 to 0.82 ± 0.16 mL/minute in group I and from 0.32 ± 0.24 to 0.58 ± 0.16 mL/minute in group II after 6 months (p = 0.001). Salivary buffer capacity increased from 3.07 ± 2.64 to 10.40 ± 0.82 in group I while in group II, it improved from 3.20 ± 1.47 to 9.33 ± 1.44 (p = 0.02). Salivary viscosity decreased in group I from 1.97 ± 0.42 to 1.15 ± 0.06 and from 1.97 ± 0.35 to 1.23 ± 0.11 in group II after 6 months (p = 0.02). Gingival scores changed from 1.07 ± 0.35 to 0.20 ± 0.23 in group I and from 1.04 ± 0.28 to 0.85 ± 0.25 in group II (p = 0.001).ConclusionThe preventive protocol used in the present study showed a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the parameters assessed.How to cite this articleSingh V, Gauba K, Goyal A, et al. Effect of an Oral Health Preventive Protocol on Salivary Parameters and Gingival Health of Children with Type 1 Diabetes. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(1):109–114.

Salivary characteristics may be associated with burning mouth syndrome?

BackgroundBurning mouth syndrome (BMS) it is characterized by burning and uncomfortable sensations with no clinical alterations or laboratory findings. The evaluation of the salivary characteristics of people with BMS can help the understanding of the pathogenesis of this condition. This case-control study aimed to trace the salivary profile of women with burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Material and Methods40 women with BMS and 40 control women were recruited. Unstimulated salivary flow rate (uSFR), pH, salivary cortisol levels, salivary viscosity, and oral health impact profile (OHIP-14 questioner) were determined. P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsFor uSFR, mean values obtained for BMS and for control group respectively were 0.35 and 0.61 mL/min; for pH, 7.23 and 7.34; for cortisol levels, 0.36 and 0.15 μg/dL; for viscosity values, 31.1 and 45.01 mPas and for OHIP-14 scores, 21.7 and 5.7. To uSFR, cortisol levels, viscosity values and OHIP-14 scores, differences were statistically significant. Salivary cortisol levels and OHIP-14 scores were correlated positively (rho = 0.624; p< 0.05). ConclusionsBMS women have lower uSFR and salivary viscosity and higher salivary cortisol levels that were associated with worse quality of life, compared with the control group. Key words:Xerostomia, Burning mouth syndrome, Viscosity.

Effects of the salivary flow rate, pH, viscosity and buffering capacity on dental caries experience in government school children in Bangalore city

Background: The present study was undertaken to evaluate effect of the salivary flow rate, pH, viscosity and buffering capacity on caries experience in government school children.Methods: This case-control study was conducted amongst the Government school children of Bangalore city aged 6-14 years. A total of 180 school children were selected out of what 90 were selected for the test group based on the presence of one or more active dental caries and another 90 were selected for the control group who were free of dental caries at the time of examination. Saliva samples were collected from all subjects and were estimated for flow rate, pH, viscosity and buffering capacity.Results: Mean salivary flow rate, pH and buffer capacity have been found to be significantly lower and mean salivary viscosity has been found to be significantly higher among children with dental caries.Conclusions: The physical and biochemical properties of saliva, such as salivary flow rate, pH, buffering capacity and viscosity are significantly related with the caries experience in children.

Does Hypertension affect Saliva Properties?

Statement of the Problem: Systemic conditions can affect the salivary glands and oral health. Hypertension induces xerostomia. Because the function of saliva is related to its quality and quantity, therefore, any changes in saliva can lead to diminished quality of patient’s life.Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between pH and viscosity of cumulative unstimulated saliva and hypertension in adults with sustained hypertension.Materials and Method: This cross sectional study took place on patients referred to oral medicine faculty of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Science. The patients’ blood pressure was measured and the 135 patients fitting the inclusion criteria participated in the study. Their unstimulated cumulative saliva was collected by spitting method and pH of the samples was measured by digital pH-meter set. The viscosity of the samples was measured by comparing the amount of saliva displacement in the thistle tube with control fluids at mm/10 seconds. The data was analyzed by SPSS version 20 software and ANOVA tests and Tukey multiple comparison and their nonparametric equivalent (p≤ 0.005).Results: The results of this study showed that there was a significant relationship between pH and viscosity of unstimulated saliva of normotensive and borderline hypertensive patients (p<.0001and p< .005, respectively) and between normotensive and stage I hypertensive patients (p<.0001, p<0.000). Therefore, hypertension had a direct and significant relationship with saliva viscosity but a reverse relationship with saliva pH.Conclusion: Hypertension can reduce the pH and increase the salivary viscosity in hypertensive patients, which subsequently lead to changes in quality and quantity of secreted saliva and influence the oral health and quality of the patient’s life.

Effectiveness of Breadfruit Leaf Extract (Artocarpus Altilis) as a Mouthwash to Reduce Saliva Viscosity

Saliva is a complex liquid in the mouth that has an important role as self-cleansing. If the viscosity of saliva is getting lower, the possibility of caries will decrease. The use of mouth rinses is one way to maintain oral hygiene. One of the herbs that can be used as medicine is breadfruit leaf (Artocarpus Altilis). The objective of this study is to determine the effect of breadfruit leaf extract (Artocarpus Altilis) as a mouthwash on saliva viscosity in boarding students of the Dental Nursing Department. This type of research is a pre-experiment with the design of One Group Pretest Posttest which was conducted in October-November 2019. The population of this research study was the boarding students of the Dental Nursing Department of the Yogyakarta Health Polytechnic Ministry of Health with a sample size of 40 respondents taken by purposive sampling technique. Data analysis used Paired Sample T-Test and Simple Linear Regression. 62.5% of respondents aged 18 years with female sex were more than men that were 97.5%. The parametric test results using the Paired Sample T-Test showed a significant difference with a value of p=0.000. Simple Linear Regression analysis test results showed that there was a significant influence between the accumulation of salivary viscosity before and after gargling the breadfruit leaf extract (Artocarpus Altilis) concentration of 20%, with a decrease in the means before gargling the breadfruit leaf extract 3.5810 to 2.6025 with a significance value 0.004 (P&lt;0.05). The conclusion of this study is that there is an influence of breadfruit leaf extract (Artocarpus Altilis) as a mouthwash on saliva viscosity in boarding students of the Dental Nursing Department. It is recommended for further research on the use of breadfruit leaf extract (Artocarpus Altilis) as a mouthwash with different concentrations and solvents so as to increase knowledge of the effectiveness of breadfruit leaves as a mouthwash ingredient.

The Effect of Systemic Corticosteroid Use on the pH and Viscosity of Saliva

Background: Systemic corticosteroid use is undeniable for many patients, and many require long-term use of such drugs. Corticosteroids have adverse and irreversible effects on all organs of the body. One of these complications that have not been studied fully is the drug effect on salivary gland function and the quantity and quality of saliva. Some of the many properties of saliva affected by these drugs are saliva pH and viscosity changes and, therefore, its effect on oral health. Methods: This study was performed on 90 cumulative saliva samples containing three groups of corticosteroid users, including more than 15 mg/day, corticosteroid users less than 15 mg/day, and healthy and non-drug users. Each group contained 30 samples. The unstimulated cumulative saliva of volunteers was collected by spitting method for 5 minutes, and the pH of the samples were measured by digital pH meter, and the viscosity of the samples was calculated based on the comparison of the amount of movement of saliva in the capillary tube in millimeter per second with the control fluids. Statistical analysis was performed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V. 18) software and the analysis of variances (ANOVA), Tukey’s multiple comparisons, or their nonparametric equivalents tests were used. Results: The viscosity of saliva in patients with corticosteroid &gt; 15 mg/day was higher than the healthy subjects (P = 0.028). Also, salivary pH in patients taking corticosteroid &lt; 15mg/day was lower than healthy ones (P = 0.017). There was no significant relationship between gender with pH and salivary viscosity (P = 0.933). Conclusions: Long-term consumption of corticosteroids reduces the pH of saliva and increases its viscosity. Therefore Corticosteroids can cause quantitative and qualitative changes in saliva. It also can affect oral and dental health. Hence, the oral health of people taking corticosteroids should be more noticed.

Efecto a corto plazo de un simbiótico en la viscosidad y la capacidad tampón salival; Un estudio cuasi experimental.

Evaluate the effect of a synbiotic on salivary viscosity and buffer capacity. Materials and Methods: A follow-up one-week study was performed on 24 healthy volunteers in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, during July 2017. Volunteers must have had active tooth decay at the moment of study. All 24 patients were given a Lactiv® probiotic package, advising not to modify usual oral hygiene practices, and were followed up during 6 days. Primary output variable was salivary viscosity while the secondary was salivary buffer capacity. Salivary viscosity was assessed by using an Ostwald Pipette and buffer capacity with bromocresol purple. Results: A total of 8 male patients (33.3%) and 16 females (66.6%) patients were included, with an average age of 10.92 years. All the volunteers completed the study. Comparisons between pre- and post-treatment showed a decrease in salivary viscosity, while buffer capacity was showed to increase. Conclusion: The use of a synbiotic during a short period of time lowered the viscosity of saliva and increased salivary buffer capacity.

Differences of young adult smokers and non-smokers saliva reviewed by salivary pH, viscosity, and volume

Introduction: Salivary pH, viscosity and volume play an important role in maintaining tooth and oral tissue integrity. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the difference of young adult smokers and non-smokers saliva reviewed by its pH, viscosity and volume. Methods: The research sample of 28 smokers and 24 non-smokers. Saliva was collected by spitting method then the pH, viscosity and volume was measured. The data was analyze using independent sample t-test and chi-square. Results: The result indicated that there was a significant difference in the mean value of salivary pH on smokers and non-smokers with p-value 0.000 (p &lt; 0.05). There was a significant difference in the mean value of salivary viscosity on smokers and non-smokers with p-value 0.000 (p &lt; 0.05.) There was a significant difference in the mean value of salivary volume on smokers and non-smokers with p-value 0.000 (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The conclusion of the research showed that salivary pH of smokers was lower than non-smokers, salivary viscosity of smokers was higher than non-smokers and salivary volume of smokers was fewer than non-smokers.Keywords: Young adult, smokers, non-smokers, saliva, salivary pH, salivary viscosity, salivary volume

HUBUNGAN PLAK GIGI, LAJU ALIRAN SALIVA, DAN VISKOSITAS SALIVA PADA ANAK USIA 6-9 TAHUN

The quality of saliva can have the effect of changingin the environment of oral cavity including teeth, composition of saliva, changes in the growth of plaqueattached to the surface of the tooth. The occurrence of plaque buildup is the beginning of several diseases of the oral cavity with caries and periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the growth of dental plaque and salivary quality, in terms of salivary flow rate and salivary viscosity in elderly children 6-9 years. This type of research is an observational analytic with cross sectional design. The subject of this study is the amount of 70 respondents who examined the salivary flow rate and the saliva viscosity. The technique sampling is purposive sampling. Identification of dental plaque was measured by plague score, salivary flow rate and salivary viscosity were measured by Universal GC. The result showed that 62% of respondents had a plaque score with poor criteria with 57% of respondents having a stream of saliva with slow criteria and 47% of respondents having a salivary viscosity with thick criteria. The results of the analysis using Liniermaka Regression showed that there was a correlation between plaque scores and salivary flow rates with p = 0.037 and viscosity with p = 0.022.Conclusion: there was a relationship between the dental plaquescore and the salivary flow rate and salivary viscosity

A novel experimental set up for in situ oral lubrication measurements

Oral lubrication has attracted a growing research interest in recent years because of its importance in influencing food texture and mouth-feel sensation. A number of tribometers have been developed for oral tribology studies, but all are designed for in vitro applications only. In this work, a new experimental set up has been established for in situ oral lubrication measurements; and further to determine oral lubrication as influenced by food consumption in relation to texture and mouth-feel. The design was based on a mechanical coupling between a texture analyzer and an intra-oral pressure sensor, and on a simultaneous digitizing of signals from both devices. Feasibility and reliability of the set up was firstly tested using hard–hard frosted glass surfaces with varying sliding speeds and two different normal forces; then using pig's tongue – polydimethylsiloxane soft surfaces with artificial saliva and food samples varying fat content at different sliding speeds. Consistent friction coefficients were observed in hard-hard surface lubrication tests and fat content-dependent friction coefficients were seen in soft surface lubrication tests. After these, in situ friction coefficients were measured in 10 healthy subjects, both under unstimulated oral conditions and after consumption of fluid foods. It was found that friction coefficient measured with no food consumption (unstimulated) was correlated to the salivary viscosity as well as salivary flow rate. The oral friction coefficient showed a strong correlation with the sensory intensity perception of astringency and slipperiness. Results from this work demonstrate that this simple experimental set up is feasible and reliable. Our work provides a new experimental technique for oral lubrication studies in relation to the controlling mechanisms of oral sensation of food texture and mouth-feel.

A sialo-oligosaccharide-rich mucin-like molecule specifically detected in the submandibular glands of aged mice

ObjectivesMucins are heavily glycosylated large glycoproteins produced in the salivary glands that contribute to salivary viscosity. This study aimed to characterize age-related changes in mucin production in mouse submandibular salivary gland (SMG). MethodsThe paraffin sections of the SMGs of the young and aged mice were stained with HE or Alcian blue (AB). SMGs mucins derived from the young and aged mice were separated using supported molecular matrix electrophoresis (SMME). After SMME, the membranes were stained with AB and subsequent glycan analysis or subjected to immunoblotting. The expression of 18 mucin genes and 4 sialyltransferase genes in the young and aged SMGs were determined by qPCR. The neuraminidase activity in the SMG homogenates was determined using Neuraminidase Assay Kit. ResultsThe mouse SMG is more strongly stained by AB with increasing age. On SMME, a characteristic band not found in the young SMG is detected in aged SMG. Based on migration position and the MALDI MS, the band that appeared specifically with aging was determined to be acidic mucin. Additionally, most glycans of this acidic mucin were sialo-oligosaccharides. Furthermore, there was an increase in the expression of sialyltransferase genes ST6GalNAc I and ST6GalNAc II, but not a decrease in neuraminidase activity, in the SMG of aged mice. ConclusionA sialomucin or sialylated mucin-like molecule not found in the SMGs of young WT mice is expressed in aged WT mice. The increase in the sialo-oligosaccharide content in this aging-associated molecule may be attributed to the increased expression of the sialyltransferase genes.