Unstimulated Salivary Flow Rate Research Articles

Efficacy of combined administration of Baekhogainsam-Tang and low-dose pilocarpine on frequent intractable xerostomia: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Intractable xerostomia is defined as the subjective perception of dry mouth and persistent salivary gland hypofunction. Pilocarpine is an approved salivary sialagogue that is frequently prescribed for the treatment of intractable xerostomia; however, it often exhibits more side effects at high-doses and limited effectiveness at low-doses. Baekhogainsam-Tang (BIT) is a common herbal formula used by patients complaining of sore throats and thirst. It seems that BIT can compensate for the insufficient effect of low-dose pilocarpine. However, no clinical trials have studied the efficacy of combined administration of BIT and low-dose pilocarpine for intractable xerostomia. We aim to assess the non-inferior efficacy and fewer side effects of combined administration of BIT and low-dose pilocarpine compared with the administration of high-dose pilocarpine. A randomized, open-label, parallel-group, multi-center trial will be conducted. A total of 120 patients with Sjogren's syndrome having an unstimulated salivary flow rate (SFR) ≤0.1 mL/min or who have undergone radiotherapy to the head and neck with an unstimulated SFR ≤0.25 mL/min will be recruited competitively. They will be randomly allocated to either the experimental or control groups. The experimental group will receive BIT herbal granules three times and pilocarpine (2.5-mg) four times daily; meanwhile, the control group will receive only 5-mg pilocarpine four times daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcome is unstimulated SFR after 12 weeks of treatment. Secondary outcomes are stimulated SFR after 12 weeks of medication, as well as differences and mean percentage changes in unstimulated and stimulated SFR, visual analog scale, salivary scintigraphy, and questionnaires for both oral symptoms and quality of life during the clinical trial. An independent T test or Mann-Whitney U test will be performed to compare values between the two groups. The Paired T test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test will be performed to compare intragroup continuous values. This trial will be significant evidence on the efficacy and safety of combined use of BIT and low-dose pilocarpine to treat intractable xerostomia. The Clinical Research Information Service of the Republic of Korea (ISRCTN, KCT0005982). Registered on 10 February 2021.

Anticholinergic Burden and Dry Mouth Problems Among Older Adults (≥ 50 Years) Receiving Dental Care-A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Anticholinergics cause dry mouth and are highly relevant for dentists, but little is known about the relationships between intake and the occurrence of subjective and objective dry mouth with age. The German anticholinergic burden score (GACB) is a novel anticholinergic score that re-evaluates medications, particularly, those with classification discrepancies. We retrospectively investigated the GACB in older patients receiving dental care, evaluated whether GACB is related to xerostomia and unstimulated salivary secretion, and determined the influence of increasing age (beginning at 50 years of age). The GACB score quantified cumulative anticholinergic effects: 0 for no effect, 1 for possible, 2 for moderate, and 3 for strong. Cross-sectional data in patients ≥ 50 years were collected, including xerostomia with the visual analog scale, unstimulated salivary flow rates, and the GACB scores. Among 172 patients (mean age 65.67 ± 9.51 years), 23.8% had a GACB score ≥ 1. A moderate negative correlation was observed between GACB and unstimulated salivary flow rates ( = -0.51). Patients with GACB ≥ 1 had fewer teeth (mean 21.76 ± 5.41) than those with GACB = 0 (24.07 ± 5.57). Moreover, unstimulated hyposalivation was observed in 61.0% with GACB ≥ 1 versus 6.8% with GACB = 0 (p < 0.001). Escalating chronic systemic conditions and prescribed medications were recorded with increasing age; those aged 76-80 years had the highest burden. The GACB quickly and reliably assesses anticholinergic exposure and risks for oral health in older patients. Routine use in those aged ≥ 50 years could enable early identification of risks and initiation of preventive dental measures. German Registry for Clinical Trials: DRKS00032877 (https://www.germanctr.de; date of registration: 17.10.2023).

The effects of pregnancy on oral health, salivary ph and flow rate

BackgroundThe frequent occurrence of dental caries and periodontal diseases in women during pregnancy may be due to many factors, such as salivary variables. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pregnancy on salivary pH, flow rate, the DMFT index, and CPI sores.MethodsA total of 198 volunteers (pregnant in different trimesters and non- pregnant) were included for the present observational cross-sectional study. Data about sociodemographic characteristics and dental and systemic health conditions were recorded. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected for 5 min via the spitting method. The pH of the saliva was measured by a portable pH meter. The salivary flow rate was determined by the weight measurement method. The DMFT index and CPI were determined. The statistical evaluation was performed using Robust ve Poisson Regression analyses (p < 0.05).ResultsIt was determined that there was a gradually significant decrease in the Ph value from the first trimester to the third trimester during pregnancy, which was lower than the control group. (p < 0.001) The flow rate of pregnants in their third trimester was lower than that of first trimester (p = 0.017). The CPI scores of pregnant women were significantly greater than that of non-pregnants (p = 0.042), while the DMFTs were similar among all groups.ConclusionOur findings indicate that pregnancy leads to a notable reduction in unstimulated salivary pH and flow rate, which also has a detrimental impact on periodontal health.Trial registrationClinical Trials-ID: NCT06343337; Registration Date: 04.01.2024.

Psychological resilience in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: effect of involvement of major salivary and lacrimal glands.

The aim of this study was to assess whether the involvement of major salivary and lacrimal glands in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) affected the psychological resilience of patients. This cross-sectional study included 116 patients with pSS. Data were collected through clinical examinations, measurement of salivary flow rates (SFRs), and from Schirmer's test, as well as from patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), such as the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI), Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Hyposalivation was defined as an unstimulated SFR of≤0.1mL/min. The BRS score (mean±SD=2.60±0.69) was lower in patients with recurrent parotitis (2.11±0.37) than in those without recurrent parotitis (2.67±0.86), in the whole group. In patients with an unacceptable symptom state (ESSPRI score≥5 points), a lower BRS score was observed in patients with both hyposalivation and ocular dryness (2.59±0.69) than in patients with isolated hyposalivation (2.84±0.84). The BRS score was also negatively associated with the WPAI-Daily Impairment and OHIP-14 scores in patients with hyposalivation as well as with HADS-A (the seven items of HADS relating to the anxiety dimension) and HADS-D (the seven items of HADS relating to the depression dimension) in the whole group. The results suggest that psychological resilience in pSS may be affected by recurrent parotitis, the levels of anxiety and depression, as well as hyposalivation with ocular dryness.

Adipose derived or bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cell treatment for hyposalivation: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BackgroundSalivary hypofunction leads to debilitating oral symptoms and has major complications for overall quality of life. Two of the most frequent causes of xerostomia are radiotherapy in the head and neck and Sjögren’s syndrome. Only symptomatic treatment is available today. An increasing number of both preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation treatment can increase the salivary flow rate and ameliorate symptoms of xerostomia. However, both adipose-derived and bone marrow–derived MSCs are used, although they differ in important ways. The primary objective of this study is an indirect comparison of the change in the unstimulated salivary flow rate after intervention between patients treated with adipose-derived or bone marrow–derived MSCs.MethodsThis systematic review and network meta-analysis will search for eligible studies in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL register of Controlled Trials. Eligible studies are as follows: clinical studies including human patients with salivary hypofunction due to either radiotherapy or Sjogren’s syndrome who were subsequently treated with either adipose-derived MSCs or bone marrow–derived MSCs. Studies with no control group will be excluded. The search phrase has been peer-reviewed following the PRESS guidelines. The primary outcome is the change in the unstimulated salivary flow rate after treatment with either adipose-derived or bone marrow–derived MSCs. Secondary outcomes are as follows: change in patient reported outcomes, methods of intervention administration, number of injected MSCs, and safety. Data from included studies will be pooled and compared with a fixed-effects or random effects model dependent on signs of heterogeneity, presented with a forest plot, and indirectly compared with a meta-regression in a network meta-analysis. Risk of bias will be assessed with the tools ROBINS-I or RoB-2 depending on type of study.DiscussionBoth adipose-derived and bone marrow–derived MSCs are used today for experimental treatment of salivary hypofunction in humans as no direct or indirect comparisons have been made. Therefore, an evaluation of the effect of adipose-derived vs bone marrow–derived MSC treatment is needed to support future decision-making on the type of MSC used in a clinical trial.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO ID CRD42024527183.

Oral Yeasts Carriage in Prediabetic Smokers and Nonsmokers

Habitual smoking and prediabetes are independent risk factors for increased oral yeasts carriage (OYC); however, no studies have compared OYC amongst cigarette smokers and nonsmokers with and without prediabetes. The aim was to fill this research gap. Ninety-two participants were included and categorised into 4 groups: group 1, prediabetic (haemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] levels, 5.7%-6.4%) cigarette smokers; group 2, cigarette smokers without prediabetes; group 3, prediabetic nonsmokers; and group 4, nonsmokers without prediabetes. Patient demographics and HbA1c levels were recorded. Data on duration of smoking habit (pack-years) and family history of smoking were collected. Information on daily toothbrushing and flossing and most recent visit to a dentist/dental hygienist was gathered. Clinical and radiographic periodontal examination was performed and unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR) was determined. OYC was assessed using the oral rinse sampling method. Power analysis was done, and group comparisons were performed. Logistic regression analysis was performed and P values <5% reflected statistical significance. Respectively, 23, 24, 22, and 23 individuals with comparable mean ages were included in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4. In groups 1 and 2, participants had a smoking history of (mean ± SD) 24.7 ± 3.2 and 10.6 ± 2.5 pack-years. Plaque index, clinical attachment loss, and probing depth were higher in groups 1 (P < .05), 2 (P < .05), and 3 (P < .05) than in group 4. Number of missing teeth was significantly higher in group 1 compared with groups 2 (P < .05), 3 (P < .05), and 4 (P < .05). There was no difference in UWSFR amongst the groups. OYC was greater in group 1 than in groups 2 (P < .05), 3 (P < .05), and 4 (P < .05). OYC was greater in groups 2 (P < .05) and 3 (P < .05) than in group 4. In prediabetic cigarette smokers, OYC appears to be influenced by hyperglycaemia, whilst in nondiabetic smokers, the severity of periodontal inflammation appears to be the determining factor in OYC.

Volatile sulfur compounds, biofilm, and salivary parameters in patients with periodontal disease: a cross-sectional study.

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the interplay between volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), biofilm, salivary parameters, and periodontal status in patients with and without periodontal disease. Sixty-four subjects diagnosed with periodontitis and 60 periodontally healthy individuals were included. Probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, tongue coating index, plaque index, number of teeth, spinnability of unstimulated whole saliva, and salivary flow rate were evaluated. The concentrations of VSC were quantified using a portable gas chromatograph. The mean differences in hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, salivary flow, spinnability, and plaque index did not exhibit statistically significant variances between the two groups. However, a pronounced tongue coating index and a diminished tooth count showed statistical significance in the periodontitis group (p = 0.039; p < 0.001). Unstimulated salivary flow rate less than 0.25mL/min was statistically significant in the periodontitis group (p = 0.032). After controlling for confounding factors, bleeding on probing remained significant. A positive correlation between periodontal parameters and VSC concentration was found. An inverse correlation was also noted between the spinnability of saliva and tongue coating index (-0.34; p < 0.001). Salivary parameters may contribute to the formation of tongue coating and are correlated with periodontal status. Bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, and probing depth were identified as potential contributors to VSC formation.

Hypophysitis and central nervous system involvement in association with Sjögren’s syndrome along with hypoparathyroidism: a case report

BackgroundPatients with autoimmune diseases can develop multiple autoimmune diseases over a long period of time, and the presence of more than one autoimmune disease in a single patient is defined as polyautoimmunity. Polyautoimmunity may be clinical evidence that autoimmune diseases share similar immunological mechanisms.Case presentationWe report a 30-year-old woman with a unique combination of autoimmune diseases predominantly affecting the central nervous system, with hypoparathyroidism, hypophysitis, medulla involvement, and pons and temporal lobe involvement associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), occurring independently over a long period. The patient who had a history of muscle cramps and one seizure incident, presented with vomiting and blurred vision. She was diagnosed with hypophysitis and hypoparathyroidism with calcifications in the basal ganglia and cerebellum. She recovered after four months of corticosteroid treatment for hypophysitis and was started on treatment for hypoparathyroidism. Eight months later, she developed vomiting, hiccups, vertigo, and ataxia with a focal lesion in the medulla. She recovered with immunosuppressive treatment for 2 years. Fifty-eight months after the onset of hypophysitis, she developed diplopia and dry mouth and eyes. MRI showed infiltrative lesions in the left pons and left temporal lobe. Based on positive anti-Sjögren's syndrome-related antigen A antibodies and low unstimulated whole salivary flow rate, pSS was diagnosed. She received corticosteroids and continued mycophenolate mofetil treatment with recovery of neurological symptoms.ConclusionThis case highlights the need for long-term follow-up to detect autoimmune disease processes involving various organs.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on diabetes- related oral complications

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

The Correlation of Insomnia to Hyposalivation and Xerostomia in the Elderly: A Single Centre Study

Background: The ageing process declines body functions and disrupts circadian rhythms, resulting in insomnia. The salivary gland's functions are affected by insomnia as well. Disorders of salivary secretion, such as xerostomia and hyposalivation, are associated with low salivary function levels. Objective: This study investigates the relationship between xerostomia, hyposalivation, and insomnia in the elderly. Method: This study is analytical observational research using a cross-sectional approach. A total of ninety-one residents of Cipayung's Tresna Werdha Budi Mulia 1 nursing home were the subjects of the study. The Summated-Xerostomia Inventory (SXI-id) questionnaire was utilised to measure xerostomia, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was employed to measure insomnia, and the unstimulated salivary flow rate based on the spitting method was used to measure salivation. Data analysis was conducted using Spearman's correlation test. Result: A significant linear correlation was observed between the insomnia score and unstimulated salivary flow rate (r = -0.370; p = 0.001) and between the insomnia score and the xerostomia score (r = 0.682). Conclusion: In the elderly, salivary gland secretion might be impacted by insomnia.

Co-Existence of Dry Mouth, Xerostomia, and Focal Lymphocytic Sialadenitis in Patients with Sjögren’s Syndrome

Background: Some patients with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) do not develop xerostomia despite advanced involvement of the salivary glands and the presence of focal lymphocytic sialadenitis (FLS). The aim of the study is to determine possible correlations between xerostomia, symptoms of sicca syndrome, FLS, and other features in SS patients. Methods: The study group comprised 50 patients with SS. The comprehensive assessment of patients included clinical, laboratory, and serological examinations. All patients underwent labial salivary gland biopsies. Dry mouth and dry eyes were assessed by unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (USWSF) and Schirmer’s test, respectively. Results: Xerostomia and xerophthalmia are closely related components of sicca syndrome. Xerostomia did not correlate with any serological or laboratory values, including ANA titers, SSA, SSB, Ro52 antibodies, rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein, and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate. There were no correlations between xerostomia and FLS or Focus score. USWSF results correlated with xerostomia reported by patients, contrary to Schirmer’s test, which did not correlate with xerophthalmia. Conclusions: Dry mouth in SS is independent of any serological or inflammatory parameters. The occurrence of FLS does not determine xerostomia and its severity. Dry mouth in SS is influenced by other undetermined factors and mechanisms independent of salivary gland involvement.

Taste Changes and Salivary Flow Rate Disparities in Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women: Exploring the Zinc Connection.

Menopause triggers hormonal changes that can manifest in oral symptoms like dysgeusia, xerostomia, and burning sensations, substantially impacting daily life, including chewing, swallowing, and taste perception. Menopausal women are particularly susceptible to nutritional fluctuations, including variations in zinc levels, which are believed to be linked to taste perception. Taste alterations can render food unappetizing, leading to malnutrition and diminished quality of life. The study aims to assess taste alterations, salivary flow rate, and zinc levels in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, investigating the correlation between these factors. This research involved 30 premenopausal and 30 postmenopausal women randomly selected from outpatients at the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Hyderabad, India. Saliva samples were collected, unstimulated salivary flow rates were measured, taste perception was evaluated using a whole mouth threshold taste test, and serum zinc levels were assessed. The study revealed that a significantly higher percentage of postmenopausal women could not identify sucrose taste at concentrations 1 (76.7%, p = 0.017) and concentrations 2 (56.7%, p = 0.007) compared to premenopausal women (43.3%, 20%, respectively). A statistically significant number of postmenopausal women also couldn't identify the bitter taste at concentration 1 (43.3%, p=0.047) compared to premenopausal women. No significant difference in taste perception of salt and sour was observed between both groups at all tested concentrations. In both groups, mean taste perception rankings were similar, with salt being most perceived, followed by sour bitter, and at least with sucrose. Salivary flow rates and zinc levels did not significantly differ between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. The correlation between zinc levels and taste perception was weak and non-significant, indicating that zinc levels were not significant predictors of taste perception in either group. Postmenopausal women exhibited reduced perceptions of sucrose and quinine hydrochloride, potentially impacting eating habits, while taste perception of sodium chloride and citric acid remained relatively consistent. Salivary flow rates and zinc levels were within the normal range for postmenopausal women up to 60 years of age included in the study. The study demonstrated that zinc levels did not significantly influence perception among postmenopausal women, suggesting that taste impairment is a multifactorial phenomenon.

Artificial saliva plus beta-glucan for treatment of xerostomia in older adults: The clinical study of effectiveness and salivary total antioxidant capacity levels

To evaluate the effectiveness of 2 artificial saliva formulations, sodium carboxymethylcellulose artificial saliva spray and sodium carboxymethylcellulose artificial saliva spray plus β-glucan.: This study was a double-blind randomized controlled trial and involved older adults with xerostomia. The xerostomia inventory score, clinical oral dryness score, oral moisture degree, unstimulated salivary flow rate, and salivary total antioxidant capacity were measured prior to and after treatment. The results were evaluated 4 weeks after taking both products. : The study included 51 subjects in the control (n = 25) and BG (n = 26) groups. xerostomia inventory score and clinical oral dryness score were significantly lower in both groups after 4 weeks of treatment (p&amp;#60;0.00). Additionally, both groups had significantly greater oral moisture degree and unstimulated salivary flow rate than before treatment (p&amp;#60;0.05). Only the increase in oral moisture degree in the BG group was significantly greater than that in the control group (p=0.048). Both groups tended to have decreased salivary total antioxidant capacity, but only the control group had a significant difference at 4 weeks (p=0.004). There was no significant difference in satisfaction score between the two groups. No serious side effects were found in the study. : The clinical signs and symptoms of xerostomia were improved by both control and artificial BG saliva. BG improved oral moisture more than the control. Furthermore, BG was more likely to prevent a decrease in salivary total antioxidant capacity than was the control.

Study of Unstimulated Salivary Flow Rate, pH and Buffer Capacity in Normal Adults

Study of Unstimulated Salivary Flow Rate, pH and Buffer Capacity in Normal Adults

The Effect of Oral Care Foams and a Spray on Salivary pH Changes after Exposure to Acidic Beverages in Young Adults.

Soft drinks may have a deleterious effect on dental health due to a high titratable acidity and a low pH that could be sufficient to induce tooth demineralization. The use of oral care products immediately after acidic challenge may diminish the erosive potential of soft drinks. We assessed the effect of oral care foams and a spray on salivary pH changes after exposure to Coca-Cola® in young adults. Thirty-three consenting eligible patients were recruited in this double-blind, randomized, crossover study performed in six visits. Baseline examination included unstimulated salivary flow rate, stimulated salivary buffer capacity, and the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) assessment. Salivary pH and time for pH recovery were registered after exposure to Coca-Cola® alone or that followed by the application of each of the studied products (an oral foam containing hydroxyapatite and probiotics, an oral foam containing amino fluoride, an alkaline oral spray, and tap water). Thirty-two patients completed the entire study protocol and were included in the final analysis. The mean minimum salivary pH and the mean oral clearance rate after rinsing with Coca-Cola® were 6.3 and 27 min, respectively. Further rinsing with any one of the tested solutions, including tap water, resulted in a significant improvement in these parameters. When the pH curves were plotted, the oral care products demonstrated a lower area under the curve that differed significantly from the area under the curve for Coca-Cola®; tap water did not differ significantly from Coca-Cola® and oral care products. Minimum salivary pH correlated positively with salivary buffer capacity and salivation rate, while salivary clearance correlated with OHI-S plaque scores. In conclusion, the effect of oral care foams and a spray on minimum salivary pH and salivary clearance after exposure to Coca-Cola® did not differ significantly among the tested products and tap water. Trial registration NCT06148662. Funding: none.

Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell Therapy for Radiation-Induced Xerostomia in Previous Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Phase II Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

No effective treatment exists for radiation-induced xerostomia. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (ASC) injection, relative to placebo, on salivary gland function in patients with radiation-induced xerostomia. In this single-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients with hyposalivation were randomised to receive ultrasound-guided injections of allogeneic ASCs or placebo into the submandibular glands. Patients were followed for 4 months. We evaluated unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWS), stimulated salivary flow rate, and patient-reported outcomes. Adverse events were recorded and immune response determined in blood samples. We enrolled 120 patients. ASC treatment resulted in a statistically significant UWS increase of 0.04 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.02-0.06] mL/min (38%) compared with pretreatment baseline whereas placebo treatment did not cause a significant increase [0.01 (95% CI, -0.01 to 0.04) mL/min (21%)]. Both the ASC and placebo treatment yielded notable symptom reductions, with dry mouth decreasing by 13.6 and 7.7 units, sticky saliva decreased by 14.8 and 9.3 units, swallowing difficulties decreased by 7.9 and 8.0 units, and the summary score of the Xerostomia Questionnaire decreased 5.9 and 5.1 units for the ASC and placebo arms, respectively. We found no statistically significant group difference between the ASC and placebo arms for any of the outcomes. We could not confirm superiority of the ASC relative to placebo. ASC therapy significantly improved UWS in previous patients with head and neck cancer, whereas placebo resulted in an insignificant increase.

Whole unstimulated salivary flow rate decreases during acute stressful condition

To examine the influence of acute stress on salivary flow using a validated stressor paradigm. This uniform crossover study consisted of 40 healthy adults who underwent the Trier Social Stress Test, consisting of a 5-minute mental arithmetic task (MAT), and a nonstressful task (NST), consisting of a 5-minute free speech task. The order of the tasks was counterbalanced and unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) was measured in 2 groups of 20 participants during each 5-minute task condition, with a 10-minute washout period between tasks. At baseline, mathematical ability was self-reported and psychological distress was measured using the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. Heart rate (HR) and breathing rate (BR) were recorded during each task. Age, sex, HR, BR, and psychological distress were similar between groups at baseline (P > .05). During the MAT, HR increased significantly and mean UWS flow rate decreased significantly compared with the NST (P < .001). An acute psychobiological stressor task was associated with a rapid decrease in salivary flow in adults. Thus, stress can contribute to reduced salivary flow and should be considered as a factor during the diagnostic workup of patients who complain of a dry mouth.

Use of the modified Schirmer test to measure salivary gland hypofunction/hyposalivation: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Although dry mouth is a relatively common condition, salivary flow is not routinely measured in dental clinical practice. Moreover, existing data regarding the use of the modified Schirmer test (MST) for the screening of dry mouth has not been summarized. This systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, aimed to determine whether the modified Schirmer test can be used to identify dry mouth. The databases of PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and CENTRAL (CRD42023393843) were systematically searched to retrieve articles published until 9th November 2023. Among the 343 original articles retrieved, six met the inclusion criteria. A total of 1150 patients, comprising 710 (61.7%) women and 440 (38.3%) men (mean age, 47.1±7.3 years), were included. The meta-analysis revealed a weak correlation coefficient of = 0.42 (95% Cl: 0.29-0.55) between MST and the unstimulated salivary flow rate. Therefore, while the MST might offer a simple and accessible alternative for initial screening in the future, especially in non-specialized settings, its variability in sensitivity and specificity, along with an actual lack of standardization, necessitates cautious interpretation. Further studies are necessary before recommending the test in clinical routine.

Oral Health-Related Factors Associated with Dysphagia Risk among Older, Healthy, Community-Dwelling Korean Adults: A Pilot Study.

Most previous studies addressing dysphagia examined individuals who already had diseases causing dysphagia and did not pay much attention to oral health conditions as a risk factor. This pilot study investigated 62 healthy adults aged 65 years or older who were living independently in the community, performed basic activities of daily living independently, and had no history of a causative disease of dysphagia to identify the factors associated with dysphagia risk, especially oral health. The Dysphagia Risk Assessment Scale was used to screen the patients for dysphagia. Hyposalivation was diagnosed by evaluating the unstimulated salivary flow rate, and orofacial muscle strength (anterior tongue elevation, buccinator muscle, and lip strength) was quantitatively measured using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. To analyze the factors associated with dysphagia risk, the Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted. In the final regression model adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, the oral health-related factors independently associated with dysphagia risk were buccinator muscle strength, hyposalivation, and subjective masticatory discomfort (p < 0.05). Therefore, our findings suggest that weak buccinator muscle strength, hyposalivation, and subjective masticatory discomfort are valuable indicators for the early detection of dysphagia in older, healthy, independent, community-dwelling adults.

Stress depression and anxiety with xerostomia among young Indian adults.

The relationship of Oral health related quality of life (OHRQOL), stress, depression, anxiety, with xerostomia, un-stimulated salivary flow rate among young Indian adults is of interest. The first phase involved xerostomia along with salivary flow rate measurements. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) the standard questionnaire in this field, was used to assess depression, anxiety, and stress in the second part of the study. Xerostomia has a stronger effect on OHRQOL. Anxiety, stress, and depression are examples of psychological factors that significantly impact xerostomia and the reduction of salivary flow rate.