Mouth Sensation Research Articles

Management of radiotherapy-induced hyposalivation using photobiomodulation therapy: a case series.

It is not uncommon for individuals receiving radiotherapy for head and cancers to experience dry mouth sensation (xerostomia), salivary hypofunction (hyposalivation) and taste changes. The present study aimed to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of biweekly photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in managing these radiotherapy-induced adverse effects and its impact on oral health-related quality of life. Ten patients who developed xerostomia and hyposalivation secondary to radiotherapy for head and neck cancer were included. The study assessments included clinician-based [the stimulated (SSF) and unstimulated salivary flow (USSF) and taste change questionnaire] and patient-based measures [Shortened Xerostomia Inventory (SXI) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-5)]. The 10 participants (males = 5, females = 5) had a mean age of 52 (± 15) years. Half were diagnosed with nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. From visits 1 to 8, 80% showed increased USSF and/or SSF, but these were limited and not significant (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, 80% of the patients had lower xerostomia scores, 60% had less dryness frequency, and 40% showed taste improvement. Improvement in oral health-related quality of life was only observed in 30% of the participants. Strong proportional correlations were found between USSF and SSF as well as SXI and OHIP-5 at study visits 1 and 8 (p < 0.05). The findings showed the usefulness of PBMT in reducing xerostomia and taste changes and possibly increasing salivary flow over a 4-week duration. However, randomised clinical trials are needed to assess the long-term effectiveness of PBMT compared to other management options.Clinical study registration: The study was prospectively registered with the US National Library of Medicine's clinical trial registry on 13 September 2022 [ClinicalTrials.gov ref: NCT05538169].

Safety and Satisfaction Analysis of Intravenous and Inhalational Conscious Sedation in a Geriatric Population Undergoing Oral Surgery.

Aim: The objective of this research was to compare two methods of conscious sedation (midazolam vs. sevoflurane) used for performing oral surgical procedures in the older adult population by analyzing dental treatment-related anxiety levels, the quality of sedation, and potential hemodynamic changes during the interventions, as well as post-recovery symptoms and patient satisfaction levels. Methods: A total of 104 patients underwent oral surgery with intravenous (age: 84.00 ± 8.410; 17 men and 36 women) and inhalation conscious sedation (age: 82.73 ± 8.809; 18 men and 33 women). Anxiety levels were recorded using the Modified Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). During the intervention, the heart rate, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, oxygen saturation, episodes of hypoxia (<90%SpO2), sedation duration, and Sedation-Agitation Scale (SAS) values were monitored. Upon completion of their treatment, all patients completed three questionnaires which evaluated their recall of the intervention, postoperative symptoms, and recommendation of the sedation method used. Results: Anxiety levels were slightly higher in the midazolam group (MDAS score: 9.60 ± 5.849; HARS score: 27.19 ± 6.802) compared to the sevoflurane group (MDAS score: 8.37 ± 5.063; HARS score: 24.92 ± 5.199), with no statistical significance (MDAS, p = 0.453/HARS, p = 0.065). No significant differences in the analyzed hemodynamic parameters were observed between the two groups. However, SAS values were significantly higher in the sevoflurane group (p = 0.006), while the sedation duration was longer in the midazolam group (p = 0.000). Postoperative symptoms, particularly gastrointestinal disturbances and dry mouth, were significantly more prevalent in the midazolam group, while there were no differences in neurological symptoms between the two groups. The majority of patients expressed a preference for either of these sedation methods. Conclusions: Sedation with agents such as midazolam and sevoflurane appears to be quite safe, given the absence of relevant hemodynamic changes. Midazolam has been shown to be effective for a longer duration, as well as to have a lower risk of developing greater digestive problems during the postoperative period. On the contrary, sevoflurane produced a greater sensation of dry mouth. Both sedative agents are perceived by the older adult population as satisfactory, recommending their use.

A morphological post mortem profile in minor salivary glands changes in females.

Women experience several systemic changes over all stages of life, many due to hormonal fluctuations. The sensation of dry mouth is the most common oral clinical symptom in women from climacteric period onwards, suggesting that sex hormones are important in maintaining salivary glands and oral homeostasis. Although the oral cavity is not conventional considered a target tissue for oestrogen, the extent to which salivary glands morphology and function are impacted by ageing and hormonal variations remain unknown. Due to the clinical demand for understanding oral changes related to the ageing process, this study aimed to portray the glandular morphological aspects in female during the different stages of life. To achieve this, 85 post-mortem specimens of labial minor salivary glands were obtained from females; they were distributed into three groups: group I (reproductive phase: up to 44years, n = 18); group II (climateric phase: 45-55years, n = 21) and group III (post-menopausal phase: over 56years, n = 46). The most significant changes observed included degenerative parenchymal aspects including the replacement of parenchymal structures by fibrous tissue, inflammatory infiltrate as well as vascular and endothelial changes. Ageing was associated with acinar serous metaplasia (p = 0.011), acinar fibrosis (p = 0.042) and ductal ectasia (p = 0.003). The process of acinar atrophy was observed in all groups, with an increase in severity in group III. These degenerative aspects appear to be age-dependent.

Etiology, Diagnosis And Therapy Of Burning Mouth Syndrome In Denture Wearers - Review

Background: The Burning Month Syndrome (BMS) is an oral mucosa pain - with or without inflammatory signs - without any specific lesion. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is multifactorial in origin which is typically characterized by burning and painful sensation in an oral cavity. The cause of BMS is not known, therefore a complex association of biological, psychological and neurophatic factors has been identified. BMS is classified as an idiopathic (nociplastic) orofacial pain with or without somatosensory changes by International Classification of Orofacial Pain (ICOP 2020). The aim of this study was to understand the etiological factors (local, systemic, and psychosocial) which may be responsible for oral burning associated with BMS, and to offer the prosthodontic practitioners possibilities for treatment generally at all patients, especially at denture wearers in solving this problem. Matherials and methods: Review of literature was used to analyze the etiological factors for BMS, pain characteristics, diagnostic criteria and treatment possibilities for BMS condition at patients with dentures. Results: BMS can be divided into three types depending on the intensity of pain. There are also few possible theories behind the cause of BMS. Local oral factors are: denture acrylic allergies, poorly fitting dentures, para functional activities, salivary gland dysfunction, taste dysfunction, infectious agents, periodontal diseases, peripheral nerve damage. Systemic factors are: nutritional deficiency/anemia, central nervous system disorders, psychological disorders, hormonal changes and diabetes mellitus, xerostomia and Sjogren's syndrome. Discussion: Problems with dentures are important factors in the burning symptoms. Inadequate denture retention and stability can induce abnormal tongue activity and become a habit to retain the denture extensions and in adequate freeway space increase load on the denture bearing areas which results of burning mouth sensation. It is clinically helpful if patients find that removal of the denture reliefs their symptoms. Although the short‐term follow‐up studies may show potential symptomatic improvement with treatment in patients with BMS, the long‐ term outcomes for BMS remain unclear. In perspective, complete understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis is imperative to the development of novel and efficacious therapeutic strategies and will guide overall prognosis of the disease in the future. Conclusion: Although different etiological theories have been proposed to explain primary burning mouth syndrome, none have received universal acceptance to date. BMS is a difficult and challenging problem for the dental practitioner. It is a clinical diagnosis made via the exclusion of all other causes. No universally accepted diagnostic criteria, laboratory tests, imaging studies or other modalities definitively diagnose or exclude BMS. The key to successful management is a good diagnostic work-up and coordination between the prosthodontic practitioners and appropriate physicians and psychologists. All this together will help prosthodontics practitioners to better diagnose and treat the BMS.

Effect of Electrical Stimulation of Lingual Nerve on Xerostomia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Xerostomia is a subjective sensation of dry mouth affecting millions of people worldwide. Current management has limitations, often causing side effects. This study aims to investigate whether electrical stimulation of the lingual nerve could offer effective relief for xerostomia sufferers. Eligible participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to either the experimental or sham group, receiving electrical stimulation of the lingual nerve (n = 24) or sham stimulation (n = 23) for 12 wk. The primary outcome is the changes in xerostomia score using a 100-mm visual analog scale throughout the therapy. Participants assessed their dryness and assigned corresponding scores, with lower scores indicating more severe dry mouth. Secondary outcomes included remission rate in dry mouth frequency, changes in stimulated/unstimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR/USFR), and changes in Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire scores, where higher scores indicate greater impact on oral quality of life. At week 12, the electrical stimulation group showed greater improvement in xerostomia score compared to the sham group, with a mean between-group difference of 13.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.0-17.6). The therapeutic effect of electrical stimulation was also confirmed by secondary outcomes. The remission rate of dry mouth was higher at 12 wk in the electrical stimulation group (61.9% [95% CI, 40.9%-79.3%] vs. 28.6% [95% CI, 13.8%-50.0%]). Participants in the electrical stimulation group also experienced a greater increase in USFR, with a mean difference of 14.5 (6.1-23.0) μL/min. Moreover, they exhibited significant improvement in OHIP-14 score after 12 wk of therapy, with a mean between-group difference of -10.0 (-13.9 to -6.2). No significant difference was observed between the 2 groups for SSFR (P = 0.702). Electric stimulation offers promise as a noninvasive, nonpharmacological strategy for the management of xerostomia. Further research is needed to understand its long-term effectiveness, optimal parameters, and underlying mechanisms. The study confirmed that electrical stimulation of the lingual nerve is a promising noninvasive and nonpharmacological modality for relief of xerostomia.

On the rheological and sensory properties of a novel natural salivary substitute

The prevalence of xerostomia, the sensation of dry mouth, is estimated at 20 % in the general population and up to 50 % in older adults. Saliva plays different roles during bolus formation: lubrication, mixing, coating, hydration, dissolution, and comminution of food particles. This study proposes and tests artificial saliva formulations mimicking human saliva rheological and sensory perceptions. Shear and extensional rheology were assessed to select the type of formulation closest to saliva rheological characteristics. After evaluating three alternative sources, an extract simulating saliva rheology was produced from flax seeds. Friction coefficient and rheological properties, such as flow curves, relaxation times, and Trouton ratios, were compared favorably with human saliva. The sensory evaluation demonstrated that flaxseed extracts induce perceived mouth hydration, slipperiness, and adhesion exceeding that of human saliva. The flaxseed extract proposed in this can i) be used to study in vitro food oral processing and ii) pave the way to novel natural salivary substitutes to alleviate the symptoms of xerostomia.

Amitriptyline effectiveness in burning mouth syndrome: An in-depth case series analysis.

To assess the effectiveness of amitriptyline (AMT), and to identify the determinants of the treatment's effectiveness in patients diagnosed with burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Treatment of BMS is challenging and no established treatment protocol is available. AMT may be an important treatment option, cout not all patients benefit from this drug. Studies assessing factors related to treatment response are valuable in improving decision-making. This case series study examined the medical records of all patients diagnosed with BMS at an oral medicine unit in a university hospital from 2008 to 2022. The patients were divided into responders to AMT and non-responders to AMT. Data on demographic information, comorbidities, medications, types of symptoms and oral subsites affected were collected. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted to assess the association between the independent variables and the outcome, using the Chi-squared test (P < .05). Three hundred and fourty-nine patients reported a burning mouth sensation, 50 of them (14.3%) being diagnosed with primary BMS. Of these, 35 were treated with AMT, and 26 (74.2%) responded significantly to AMT. All males responded to AMT, whereas only 67.9% of females responded. The mean dose of AMT among responders was 29.8 ± 12.3 mg, with most patients achieving a response with 25 mg (61.5% of patients), followed by 50 mg (23%). The concomitant use of an anticonvulsant resulted in non-response. AMT may be effective in BMS management for most patients.

Efficacy of an automatic electric toothbrush with nylon bristles in dental plaque removal: a cross-over randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesThe objective of this single-use, five-treatment, five-period, cross-over randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to compare the efficacy in dental plaque removal of a new Y-shaped automatic electric toothbrush (Y-brush) compared to a U-shaped automatic electric toothbrush (U-brush), a manual toothbrushing procedure (for 45 and 120 s), and no brushing (negative control).Materials and methodsEligible participants were volunteer students randomized to the treatments in the five periods of the study. The primary outcome measure was the reduction in full-mouth plaque score (FMPS) after brushing while the secondary outcome variable was a visual analogic scale (VAS) on subjective clean mouth sensation. Mixed models were performed for difference in FMPS and VAS.ResultsAfter brushing procedures, manual toothbrushing (120 s) showed a statistically significant reduction in FMPS than Y-brush (difference 36.9; 95%CI 29.6 to 44.1, p < 0.0001), U-brush (difference 42.3; 95%CI 35.1 to 49.6, p < 0.0001), manual brushing (45 s) (difference 13.8; 95%CI 6.5 to 21.1, p < 0.0001), and No brushing (difference 46.6; 95%CI 39.3 to 53.9, p < 0.0001). Y-brush was significantly more effective than No brushing (difference 9.8; 95%CI 2.5 to 17.0, p = 0.0030), while there was no significant difference compared to U- brush. Similar results were obtained for the differences in the Clean Mouth VAS.ConclusionsY-brush was significantly more effective than no brushing (negative control) in removing dental plaque. When compared to manual toothbrushing for both 45 and 120 s, however, Y-brush was less effective in dental plaque removal.Clinical relevanceModified design of automatic toothbrushing devices could improve plaque reduction, especially in patients with intellectual disabilities or motor difficulties.

Common Drugs Causing Xerostomia

Saliva is need for maintaining a healthy mouth environment and general health.Many factors can affect the volume and compositions of saliva. Xerostoma which refers to a subjective sensation of dry mouth, is derived from the Greek words "xeros" (ξηρός), which means "dry," and "stoma" (στόμα), which means "mouth." Reduced salivary flow and altered salivary gland composition and function are the outcomes of xerostomia.Symptoms of xerstomia include dryness or a feeling of stickiness in your mouth. Saliva that seems thick and stringy, bad breath and having hard time chewing, speaking and swallowing. There are many different causes of xerostomia, which include medicine, aging, cancer therapy, nerve damage and tabaco and alcohol use. The most common drugs causing xerstomia anticholinergic drugs, antidepressant drugs, diuretics, calcium channel blocker and beta-blockers. Different mechanism of causing xerostomia cytotoxic drugs by direct damage to salivary gland, antidepressant drugs by their anticholinergic side effects, and diuretic by excreting more fluid and electrolytes.

Association between oral frailty and lower urinary tract symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in community-dwelling individuals: a cross-sectional study.

We assessed the association between oral frailty risk and LUTS among middle-aged and older adults in a community-dwelling population. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 586 subjects aged ≥ 40years who participated in the Iwaki Health Promotion Project in Hirosaki, Japan. We used the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) to assess LUTS. LUTS was defined as an IPSS score of 8 or higher or meeting diagnostic criteria for OAB. Oral frailty risk was defined as experiencing two or more of the following: decreased chewing ability, decreased biting force, and dry mouth sensation. Physical performance (10-m gait speed and grip strength) was used for analysis. The association between oral frailty risk and LUTS was examined using multivariate logistic regression analyses. The study included 218 men and 370 women, of whom 140 had LUTS. The mean age of this cohort was 59years. Significant differences were observed between the LUTS and non-LUTS groups, including age, hypertension, history of CVD, depressive status, sleep disturbance, and 10m gait speed. The prevalence of oral frailty risk was significantly higher in the LUTS group than in the non-LUTS group (26% vs. 11%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that age, male gender, and oral frailty risk (odds ratio: 2.67, 95% confidence interval: 1.57-4.51, P < 0.001) were independent factors for LUTS. Moreover, oral frailty risk was an independent factor in both participants aged < 65years and participants aged ≥ 65years. Oral frailty was independently associated with LUTS.

Evaluation of Rheological Properties of Saliva by Determining the Spinnbarkeit.

Saliva is crucial to maintaining oral health and facilitating chewing, swallowing, and speech functions. Decreased saliva secretion, known as hyposalivation, impairs these functions and increases the risk of dental caries and other infectious diseases in the oral cavity.Saliva exhibits various rheological properties, with mucin being a factor in determining these properties. Alterations in these properties can also affect the sensation of dry mouth. In this article, we focus on the spinnbarkeit of saliva using the Neva Meter instrument and provide a methodology for fully understanding the appropriate conditions for its use.

Natural Mucilage From Phoenix dactylifera L. as an Alternative for Artificial Saliva

The sensation of dry mouth is a clinical illness known as xerostomia. Treatment is necessary for alleviating symptoms in patients who experience either transient or persistent dry mouth. It is essential to develop artificial saliva for this purpose. The fruit of the Phoenix dactylifera is edible and has been used in food. Its mucilage from dried fruits was extracted by soaking in distilled water and precipitated with 90% v/v ethanol. The mucilage of P. dactylifera was used for producing artificial saliva and was combined with other components including proteins and electrolytes. The translucent light brown gel solution was seen in the artificial saliva using P. dactylifera mucilage. The measured relative density ranged from 1.02 to 1.15 g/mL. Artificial saliva had to become more viscous with the addition of P. dactylifera mucilage and its concentration. Their pH values ranged between 6.98 and 7.15. The produced artificial saliva had a wetting time ranging from 7.53 to 9.70 min, which is similar to the typical human saliva. Artificial saliva could form a film in the mouth after certain periods. It was found that artificial saliva exhibited many adsorption bands corresponding to various biomolecules, such as protein, carbohydrate, and lipid, and had a unique peak at 275 nm. The results of this investigation suggest that a formulation including mucilage from P. dactylifera may be utilized to treat xerostomia patients by temporarily lubricating and hydrating their mouths when they experience persistent dry mouth.

Immunotherapy-Related Oral Adverse Effects: Immediate Sequelae, Chronicity and Secondary Cancer.

(1) Background: Immunotherapy-related adverse effects (irAEs) have been reported to manifest in oral tissues, mainly as lichenoid and non-lichenoid lesions and salivary gland dysfunction; however, the characterization of oral irAEs and their clinical impact is limited. (2) Methods: This is a retrospective clinical chart review of 14 patients with oral irAEs, describing the impact of the oral irAEs in terms of the immediate effect, treatment, chronicity of the irAEs and the development of oral cancer. (3) Results: Common symptoms were pain and dry mouth, causing no-to-severe pain and/or dry mouth sensation. The immediate sequala ranged from sensitivity to certain foods up to elimination of oral intake. Treatment included conventional palliation techniques with or without systemic steroids. Discontinuation of the immunotherapy agents was required in 6 patients. Innovative treatment modalities included photobiomodulation for oral mucosal pain relief, and salivary gland intraductal irrigations for relief of salivary gland hypofunction. Late sequala included the development of proliferative leukoplakia and oral cancer. (4) Conclusions: Patients treated with immunotherapy may develop debilitating oral irAEs. They should be followed for oral involvement so treatment may be initiated when the symptoms are mild to avoid discontinuation of the immunotherapy. Patients that develop oral lichenoid lesions should receive long-term follow-up, as they may have higher risk for oral cancer.

Thirstiness, body hydration and thickened water: A study about their relationship

When liquids are thickened to swallow safely, thirstiness sensation might not be quenched. In this study, we investigated how drinking water, thickened water, or not drinking influences body hydration and thirstiness sensation. Forty-one healthy participants attended four 3 h sessions with different stimulus provided: nothing, water, thickened water A (gum-based thickener), or thickened water B (starch-based thickener). The hydration status (oral moisture and urinary osmolality), self-reported dimensions (thirst sensation, dry mouth sensation, and desire to drink), and hunger feeling were measured at 0, 90, and 180 min, respectively; after 180 min, water was administered ad libitum. The results show no significant changes in oral mucosa hydration over time. The urine osmolality values showed differences in body hydration depending on whether they had ingested water and on the type of thickened water (lower for thickener B). Thirstiness, dry mouth, and the desire to drink water after having the stimuli differed significantly from when no stimuli were given. Low liking was related to longer consumption time and more swallows, especially for thickened water B. At the end of the study, beyond the differences among three behavioral clusters, ad libitum water intake increased if no stimulus or thickened water B were administered. Hunger sensation varied over time, but not among stimuli. In conclusion, in the fast situation (no drink), thickened water helped maintain body hydration, although compared to water it were more disliked and, in comparison with water, right after their consumption did not decrease the dry mouth sensation. Therefore, although thickeners seem effective for hydrating and calming thirstiness, their poor liking needs to be improved in the design of dysphagia thickeners to improve their diet adherence.

Successful Management of Diabetes Mellitus (Madhumeha) With Ayurvedic Modalities (Vaman &amp; Madhutailik Basti) – A Case Study

Ayurveda, an ancient medical system, is becoming more popular as a supplemental and alternative therapy for treatingchronic illnesses. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition with serious long-term effects on both the people who have it and thehealthcare system as a whole. Ayurvedic classics have twenty types PramehaKaphaj prameha 20, Pittaja prameha 6, and Vatajaprameha 4. Among this type, Diabetes mellitus is compared with Madhumeha, which is one of the Vataja types of Prameha. It is aKledapradhan vyadhi which is associated with excessive urination. The primary causes of the illness are an excessive intake ofdairy products, sugar products, rice, and seafood, an excessive amount of sleep, and a lack of activity. Various complications ofDiabetes mellitus include nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease. A 51-year-old female patient visitedOPD with chief complaints of Sweetness in her mouth, excessive hunger, thirst, urine, and burning sensation at the sole formore than 3 months, and other associated complaints were excessive mental stress and lethargy for the last 1 month. She wastreated with panchakarma treatment like Vaman, Madhutailik basti, and Shaman chikitsa like Nishamalaki churna and Madhunashinivati. Reduction in blood sugar level was observed at the end of treatment. Hence it can be concluded that shodhan and shamanchikitsa is beneficial in treating symptoms of Madhumeha.

The risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma and the mortality rate in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a single-centre, retrospective cohort study.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that is manifested by the sensation of dry eyes and dry mouth. The higher incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) among pSS has already been extensively researched. However, there are uncertanties whether the mortality risk in pSS patients and in pSS patients with NHL is increased. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of NHL among pSS patients and to calculate their mortality risk. We retrospectively analysed data on 1367 patients treated in our rheumatology department under the ICD-10 code M35.0. The study finally recruited 155 patients who met the 2016 ACR/EULAR criteria for the diagnosis of pSS. Descriptive statistics was used in data analysis. We applied the indirect standardization by age to compare the incidence rate of NHL in our cohort to general population. Additionally, we compared the mortality in our study to the general population by calculating the standardized mortality ratio (SMR). The overall incidence rate of NHL was 440 per 100,000 patient-years. The SIR compared to the general population was 30.13 (95% CI 12.87-54.63). The overall mortality rate of pSS patients in our cohort was nearly identical to that of the general population (SMR = 0.98 [95% CI (0.47-1.69)]). This study confirms that there are significant differences in lymphoma prevalence, histology, and prognosis across the studied populations. Furthermore, this study found that patients with pSS have similar mortality risk as the general population, and no patient in our cohort died from NHL.

Rheology of saliva in health and disease.

Saliva is a complex fluid that lubricates the oropharynx and facilitates chewing, swallowing, and vocalization. Viscoelasticity is critical for the ability of saliva to fulfill these functions. Xerostomia, or a sensation of dry mouth, occurs in 17-26% of the population. Although many equate xerostomia with hyposalivation, high-risk patients frequently report oral dryness in the absence of decreased salivary flow. This study aims to determine if xerostomia is associated with alterations in the rheological properties of saliva in addition to decreased salivary production. The study population included patients with post-radiation xerostomia, patients with anticholinergic-induced xerostomia and healthy controls. Salivary volumetric flow rate was measured, shear viscosity was measured using oscillatory rheometry, and extensional viscosity was measured using capillary thinning methods. Groups were compared using descriptive statistics and univariate analysis. A total of 36 subjects were included: 15 with post-radiation xerostomia, 9 with anticholinergic-induced xerostomia and 12 controls. Salivary volumetric flow was significantly decreased in post-radiation and anticholinergic-induced patients compared to controls. On capillary thinning testing, saliva from xerostomia patients had significantly greater extensional viscosity compared to controls. However, saliva from the three groups showed no significant difference in the complex viscosity or the storage or loss modulus of saliva with oscillatory rheology. Xerostomia is associated with decreased salivary volumetric flow and quantitative changes in the rheologic properties of saliva.

Cancer treatment with hormone therapy and its relationship with xerostomia and hyposalivation

The appearance of new drugs for cancer treatment has increased patient survival but it has also brought adverse effects, such as the sensation of dry mouth and hyposalivation Objective: To assess the relationship of using hormone therapy in breast and prostate cancer patients and the occurrence of xerostomia and hyposalivation. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study with 114 patients diagnosed with cancer and treated with hormone therapy. The researcher collected resting and stimulated salivary flows in the morning. The descriptive statistic analysis, chi-square test (p&lt;0.005), and t-test (&gt;&lt;0.005), and t-test (&lt;0.005) were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science™ (SSPS), version 21, for different variables of hyposalivation and hormone therapy. Results: The results showed that 67 (55.8%) patients using hormone therapy drugs presented hyposalivation and 73 (64%) patients presented xerostomia. a. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, there is a positive association between stimulated hyposalivation and the use of hormone therapy drugs (p = 0.015). There was also a positive association between hyposalivation and xerostomia and the use of hormone therapy drugs (p = 0.049 and p = 0.001).

Oral manifestations associated with Novel Coronavirus Disease - 2019 (COVID-19): A questionnaire based hypothetical study.

Background: Since the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in 2019, the virus has evolved drastically, presenting with sets of mutations that influence its properties, including transmissibility and antigenicity. The oral mucosa is postulated as probable portal entry and several oral manifestations have been identified, which places dental professionals in a position to recognize probable COVID-19 patients depending on oral signs and symptoms in the initial phases of the disease itself. As co-existing with COVID-19 seems to be a new reality, greater understanding is required regarding early oral signs and symptoms which can be predictors for timely intervention and prevention of complications in COVID-19 patients. The objective of the study is to identify the distinguishing oral signs and symptoms among COVID-19 patients and to establish possible correlation between severity of COVID-19 infection and oral symptoms. Methods: This study recruited 179 ambulatory, non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province's designated hotels for COVID-19and home isolated patients from the same region using a convenience sample method. Data was collected by qualified and experienced investigators, including two physicians and three dentists, using a validated comprehensive questionnaire through telephonic interviews with the participants. The X 2 was used to assess the categorical variables, and odd's ratio was calculated to determine the strength of the association between general symptoms and oral manifestations. Results: Oral and nasopharyngeal lesions or conditions like loss of smell and taste, xerostomia, sore throat, and burning sensation were predictors of COVID-19-related systemic symptoms such as cough, fatigue, fever, and nasal congestion were identified to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusions: The study reveals the occurrence of olfactory or taste dysfunction, dry mouth, sore throat, and burning sensation along with COVID-19 generic symptoms, should be considered as suggestive yet not conclusive indicators of COVID-19.

Market orientation and cuisine innovation as a driven sensory methodology to develop a sweet potato snack as an added-value food product

Nowadays, there is an increasing interest in developing novel products that include ingredients that nourish and contribute to health. These food products need to possess unique sensory features that can differentiate them from existing ones, moreover considering that culinary creativity becomes an important part of the process of food product development. In this study, sweet potato (SP) was used as the main functional ingredient. This product is rich in bioactive compounds. However, this new product should be based on what consumers are looking for. For this purpose, a survey of 15 questions was conducted on 276 people in a local market from Aguascalientes, Mexico. The objective was to understand the use of SP and the expectations of new products with this ingredient. Results revealed that 26.45% of the surveyed people had never consumed SP and 54.71% of them like to consume stewed SP. Interestingly, 30.43% of the consumers would like to consume SP as a snack. As a result, cuisine professionals and innovators from Universidad Panamericana, Mexico, developed SP chips prepared with SP flour (36.86%), rice puree (40.86%), grasshopper powder (18%), salt (1.43%), sodium bicarbonate (1.88%) and sugar (0.94%). The process consisted of mixing, dehydrating, and insufflating stages. When the product was obtained, a sensory questionnaire was applied to consumers (n = 100), which consisted of an acceptability, a JAR, and a CATA test. The acceptability of the chip was 7.45 ± 2.25 on a 10-point basis. The consumers (82%) of them had never tried a value-added product made out of SP. The attributes considered significant by JAR are low in sweetness, sweet potato flavor and bread flavor; but high in salt, mouthfeel and flavor. In the CATA questionnaire, a list of 10 attributes was applied to individuals that were asked to endorse any relevant term which characterized the sample; from which, the ones that are relevant (α ≤ 0.05) are: spicy flavor, mouthfeel, sweet potato present, and mouth sensation. It was shown that the process of incorporating SP, rice and grasshoppers in a snack value-added product was promising.