Unstimulated Whole Saliva Flow Rate Research Articles

The changes on salivary flow rates, buffering capacity and chromogranin A levels in adults after bariatric surgery.

This study aimed to investigate changes in salivary flow rates, buffering capacity, and salivary chromogranin A (CHGA) levels in adults undergoing bariatric surgery (BS) compared with a non-obese control group. Salivary analyses were performed on 62 participants aged over 50years, stratified into two groups matched for age and gender-individuals who had undergone bariatric surgery (BS) (n = 31) and a corresponding healthy control group (n = 31). Before saliva collection, participants completed a comprehensive 11-point visual numerical rating scale (NRS 0-10) xerostomia questionnaire, assessing subjective perceptions of two key aspects: dryness of the oral mucosa and resultant impact on oral functional ability. Three distinct saliva measurements were obtained: unstimulated whole saliva (UWS), stimulated whole saliva (SWS), and unstimulated upper labial saliva (ULS). The buffering capacity of unstimulated saliva was assessed using pH indicator strips, and concentrations of salivary Chromogranin A (CHGA) were quantified in stimulated saliva via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After BS, more than 40% of BS group patients reported xerostomia, with 16.1% experiencing only mild symptoms without significant functional impact (p = 0.009). The prevalence of xerostomia and tongue dryness was higher in the BS group compared to the control group (p = 0.028 and p = 0.025, respectively). The comparative analysis unveiled no statistically significant differences in flow rates of unstimulated upper labial saliva (ULS), unstimulated whole saliva (UWS), and stimulated whole saliva (SWS) between the control group and patients who underwent bariatric surgery. However, in patients undergone BS with xerostomia, both ULS and UWS flow rates were significantly lower than in controls with xerostomia (p = 0.014 and p = 0.007, respectively). The buffering capacity was significantly lower in patients undergone BS than in controls (p = 0.009). No differences were found between groups regarding CHGA concentration and output values, nevertheless, higher values of CHGA concentrations were significantly correlated to lower flow rates. According to the results, this study suggests that individuals undergoing BS may exhibit altered salivary buffering capacity and reduced unstimulated salivary flows in the presence of xerostomia. Additionally, the findings suggest that elevated concentration of salivary CHGA might be associated, in part, with salivary gland hypofunction. The clinical significance of this study lies in highlighting the changes in salivary functions after BS. The identified salivary alterations might be attributed to adverse effects of BS such as vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux, and dehydration. Understanding these changes is crucial for healthcare professionals involved in the care of post-BS patients, as it sheds light on potential oral health challenges that may arise as a consequence of the surgical intervention. Monitoring and managing these salivary alterations can contribute to comprehensive patient care and enhance the overall postoperative experience for individuals undergoing BS.

Prolonged mask wearing does not alter the oral microbiome, salivary flow rate or gingival health status - A pilot study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the widespread use of N95 respirators and surgical masks, with anecdotal reports among healthcare providers and the public of xerostomia, halitosis, and gingivitis, a consortium of symptoms colloquially termed "mask mouth". However, this has not been scientifically verified. The aim of this study was to assess changes in salivary flow rate, gingival health status and oral microbiome associated with prolonged mask use. A total of 25 dental students (mean age = 26.36 ± 1.58) were included in the study and evaluated at three time points: T1, at the end of at least 2 months of full-day mask wear (7.26 ± 1.56 hours/day); T2, at the end of a period of minimal mask use (1.13 ± 1.13 hours/day); and T3, at the end of 2-3 weeks of resuming full-day mask wear (6.93 ± 1.80 hours/day). Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) flow rate, xerostomia (on a quantitative scale of 10), gingival index (GI) and plaque index (PI) were assessed at each time point. The salivary microbiome was characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Overall, UWS flow rates were normal (mean of 0.679 ml/min) and xerostomia, PI and GI scores were low (Mean of 3.11, 0.33 and 0.69, respectively) with no significant differences as a result of prolonged mask wearing. Similarly, there were no significant microbial changes at a false discovery rate (FDR) ≤ 0.05. However, some trends were identified using a nominal p-value cut-off of ≤ 0.01, namely Gemella sanguinis, Streptococcus sp. Oral taxon 066 and Oral taxon 058 were associated with prolonged mask wear. Trends were also seen by gender, race and age, for example an increase in P. gingivalis and P. intermedia with age. In conclusion, we found no evidence that prolonged mask wear adversely affects oral health. The findings support that the oral microbiome of healthy individuals is resilient.

Whole Salivary Cotinine Levels and Interleukin 1-β Levels among Young Adults Involuntarily Exposed to Vapor from Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems.

To the assess whole salivary cotinine and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) levels among individuals involuntarily exposed to vapor from electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) (test group) and unexposed individuals (control group). Demographic data and information related to ENDS vapor exposure were collected using a questionnaire. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected, unstimulated whole-saliva flow rate (UWSFR) was calculated, and cotinine and IL-1β levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sample-size estimation and statistical analysis were performed. Regression analysis was performed to determine the correlation between whole salivary cotinine and IL-1β levels. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Forty-eight individuals (24 and 24 in test and control groups, respectively) were included. Mean ages of individuals in the test and control groups were comparable. In the test group, the mean duration for which the individuals inhaled vapor from ENDS in each session was 22.3 ± 9.5 min and they were exposed to ENDS vapor 12.2 ± 2.4 times daily. There was no difference in the UWSFR between patients in the test (0.21 ± 0.02 ml/min) and control (0.22 ± 0.04 ml/min) groups. Whole salivary cotinine (p < 0.001) and IL-1β (p < 0.001) levels were significantly higher in the test than control group. Young adults involuntarily exposed to vapor from ENDS express elevated whole salivary cotinine and IL-1β levels. Long-term exposure to ENDS vapor may potentially predispose vulnerable populations to oral and systemic inflammatory diseases.

POS1486-HPR DAILY ACTIVITY IMPAIRMENT IS MEDIATED BY BOTH ORAL DRYNESS AND ORAL HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME

Background:Both oral functions and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) are poorly affected by low salivary flow rate in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS).Objectives:The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of oral dryness and OHRQoL on daily life in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS).Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 86 patients with pSS (M/F: 5/81; mean age: 52.4 ± 11.6 years) were included. The data were collected by clinical examination and a questionnaire regarding patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Patient filled PROMs regarding Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) for OHRQoL, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment scale (WPAI) for Daily life and the EULAR Sjogren’s Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) for their symptoms. Unstimulated whole saliva flow rates (U-WSFR) of patients were calculated as ml/min. Increases in PROMs and decreases in U-WSFR reflected poor conditions. After preliminary analysis, a mediation analysis was used to evaluate the relations among variables.Results:WPAI-Daily activity impairment score was higher in patients with low U-WSFR (≤0,1 ml/min) than the others (67±29,8 vs 52,5±28,6) (p=0.042). Both U-WSFR (0,43±0,57 ml/min) and ESSPRI-Dryness score (6.31 ± 2.71) were correlated with scores of OHIP-14 (25,96±17,13)(r:- 0,38 p=0.000; r: 0,37 p=0.000) and WPAI-Daily activity impairment (57,96±29,71)(r: -0,36 p=0.004; r: 0,53 p=0.000). Moreover, scores of ESSPRI-Pain (5,16±3,12) and ESSPRI-Fatigue (5,41±2,97) were also related to WPAI-Daily activity impairment score (r: 0,41 p=0.001; r:0,49 p=0.000, respectively).In the mediation analysis, WPAI-Daily activity impairment score (57.9 ± 29.7) was directly mediated by ESSPRI-Dryness score (p=0.0010) and indirectly mediated by OHIP-14 score (25.9 ± 17.1) (p=0.0357). After mediation analysis, a bootstrap analysis with 5000 replications was applied to estimate the mediation effect to generate 95% CI. Percentile bootstrap of OHIP-14 score was found to be an effective mediator for Daily activity impairment based on 5000 bootstrap samples.Conclusion:Both oral dryness and poor OHRQoL in patients with pSS affected daily activity impairment. Therefore, the patients’ needs for improving oral health were critical components of treatment plans to improve the daily activity of SjS patients.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Salivary Flow Rate as a Noninvasive Method for an Early Prediction of Pre Diabetes in Patients at Tanta University Hospitals

Purpose: Early diagnosis of pre-diabetes mellitus is essential for oral health and prevention of diabetes complications. It has been suggested that xerostomia may be an early indication of diabetes screening. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out on 90 subjects, 34 (37.8%) males and 56 (62.2%) females. The mean age was 36.37+7.9 years, ranged from (20-60) years old with no history of diabetes and suffering from xerostomia. To diagnose xerostomia, a questionnaire was applied to the patients to be answered by yes or no illustrating presence of xerostomia. The selected patients divided into three groups according to their complain of xerostomia, Group I: Control, Group II: Xerostomia and Group III: Hypo-salivation patients. Unstimulated whole saliva flow rates (UWSFRs) and HbA1c values were determined. Statistical analysis of the collected data was carried out. Results: UWSFRs is markedly decreased in groups II& III in comparison to its corresponding value in group I. is statistically significant difference between the studied groups (F value was 98.242, P value<0.0001*). Conclusion: a dental office could be a good location for (pre)diabetes screening in patients with xerostomia.

The effects of anti-hypertensives and type 2 diabetes on salivary flow and total antioxidant capacity.

The present cross-sectional study aimed to determine the effect of first-line anti-hypertensive drugs (enalapril, metoprolol, and combinations of enalapril with metoprolol and/or hydrochlorothiazide) on salivary gland function and salivary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in hypertensive patients with/without diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2. Salivary gland function was measured as xerostomia (interview) and unstimulated whole saliva flow rate (UWSFR) in 447 subjects (387 hypertensive and 60 healthy). Salivary TAC was evaluated by spectrophotometric assay. Enalapril is not xerogenic, while metoprolol and drug combinations are. In the presence of DM type 2, all drugs, except metoprolol, had pronounced xerogenic effect. Binary logistic regression analysis found enalapril to be significantly associated with decreased risk of xerogenic effect development, while DM type 2 with increased risk. In the presence of enalapril in hypertensive patients with/without DM type 2 salivary TAC was similar to that in healthy subjects, while for metoprolol was reduced. Enalapril is not xerogenic but is antioxidant, which moderately reduces the risk of xerogenic effect development even in the presence of DM type 2. However, metoprolol and drug combinations exhibit xerogenic effect. In DM type 2, xerogenic effect of all drugs was pronounced except of metoprolol.

Whole Salivary Interleukin‐6 and Matrix Metalloproteinase‐8 Levels in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis With and Without Prediabetes

The cytokine profile in unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) of patients with prediabetes and chronic periodontitis (CP) remains uninvestigated. The aim of this study is to assess interleukin (IL)-6 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 levels in UWS of patients with CP with and without prediabetes. Eighty-eight males (aged 39 to 51 years) were divided into three groups: group 1: 28 patients with CP and prediabetes; group 2: 30 patients with CP and without prediabetes; and group 3: 30 controls. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, periodontal parameters (plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, attachment loss, and marginal bone loss), and number of missing teeth were recorded. UWS samples were collected, and UWS flow rate (UWSFR) was measured. IL-6 and MMP-8 were measured in UWS using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Mean FBG and HbA1c levels were significantly higher in group 1 (119.3 ± 3.1 mg/dL and 6.1% ± 0.2%) than group 2 (80.1 ± 3.5 mg/dL and 4.8% ± 0.5%; P <0.001) and group 3 (75.3 ± 2.2 mg/dL and 4.3% ± 0.2%; P <0.05). UWSFR was significantly higher in groups 2 (0.53 ± 0.1 mL/minute; P <0.05) and 3 (0.51 ± 0.1 mL/minute; P <0.01) than group 1 (0.33 ± 0.05 mL/minute). Periodontal parameters were worse in group 1 (P <0.05) and group 2 (P <0.05) than group 3. There was no difference in periodontal parameters, numbers of missing teeth, or salivary IL-6 and MMP-8 levels between patients in groups 1 and 2. Salivary IL-6 and MMP-8 levels are elevated in patients with CP with and without prediabetes.

Saliva in Prader–Willi syndrome: Quantitative and qualitative characteristics

ObjectiveTo evaluate salivary flow rates and assess whole salivary total protein, MUC7 and cystatin in individuals with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) compared with healthy controls. DesignThe participants were forty-eight individuals with PWS (mean age 20.2±9.5) and an age- and sex-matched control group. Flow rates of unstimulated whole saliva (UWS), stimulated whole saliva (SWS), submandibular/sublingual (SS), and parotid saliva (PS) were recorded (ml/min) and unstimulated whole saliva used for further protein analysis. Total protein concentration was determined via the bicinchoninic acid method, and MUC7 and cystatin levels via a Dot Blot. ResultsMean UWS (0.12±0.11 vs. 0.32±0.20, p<0.001), SWS (0.41±0.35 vs. 1.06±0.63, p<0.001) and SS (0.27±0.19 vs. 0.50±0.29, p<0.001) salivary flow rates were significantly lower in PWS compared with controls. No significant difference was found in PS flow rate between the two groups. The mean total protein concentration (mg/ml) was 3.19±3.04 in PWS compared with 1.32±1.11 in controls (p<0.001). Median concentration of MUC7 (mg/ml) was 1.29 (0.11–10.85) in the PWS group, and 0.39 (0.03–2.22) in the control group (p<0.001). No significant difference was found in cystatin concentration between the groups. The output of proteins did not differ significantly between PWS and controls. ConclusionWith the exception of parotid saliva, salivary flow rates were lower among individuals with PWS than in their matched controls. Saliva protein concentrations in UWS were high compared with the healthy group, although the protein output did not differ significantly.

Saliva nitric oxide levels in relation to caries experience and oral hygiene

The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between nitric oxide (NO) concentration/rate in the unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) and stimulated whole saliva (SWS) with the decay-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) and simplified oral hygiene (OHI-s) scores. Forty adults were included in the study. Half of the participants ( n = 20) had high DMFT-OHI-s compared to the other half. UWS and SWS flow rates, initial and final pHs were also measured. NO concentrations in the UWS and SWS of high and low DMFT-OHI-s groups were determined using modified Griess reaction and NO rates were calculated. The two groups revealed no significant differences in their salivary flow rates and their initial pH. NO concentrations/rates in the UWS and SWS of high and low DMFT-OHI-s groups were not statistically different ( p > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between NO concentration or NO rate and other tested variables (DMFT-OHI-s, initial pH and final pH). However, a significant correlation was found between UWS NO rate and UWS flow rate ( r = 0.921, p = 0.0001) and SWS NO rate and between SWS flow rate ( r = 0.921, p = 0.0001). It could be concluded that neither NO concentration nor NO rate correlates with the dental status. As the exposure to any salivary component (including NO) depends not only on its concentration but also on the rate of production of such concentration, it would be of value when determining individuals’ salivary components to consider their rate values rather than their absolute concentrations.

Association of candy weight loss rate with whole saliva flow rates

The association of candy weight loss rate (CWLR) with whole saliva flow rates (WSFRs) was analyzed. The unstimulated whole saliva flow rate (UWSFR), stimulated whole saliva flow rate by the gum test (SWSFR-GT) and stimulated whole saliva flow rate by the Saxon test (SWSFR-ST) were measured in 300 healthy young adults. CWLR was measured by passively holding sugar candy between the tongue dorsum and hard palate. The degree of discomfort was evaluated by the visual analog scale. CWLR was significantly correlated with UWSFR, SWSFR-GT, and SWSFR-ST with Pearson's correlation coefficients of 0.1847 (P = .0013), 0.2097 (P = .0003), and 0.2332 (P < .0001), respectively; however, these were much smaller than those of 0.6858 (P < .0001) between UWSFR and SWSFR-GT, 0.5071 (P < .0001) between UWSFR and SWSFR-ST, and 0.5424 (P < .0001) between SWSFR-GT and SWSFR-ST. The degree of discomfort was significantly lower in the measurement of CWLR than in any WSFRs (P < .0001). CWLR cannot be used as an independent alternative to WSFRs, although it can be measured with less discomfort.

Saliva indices track hypohydration during 48 h of fluid restriction or combined fluid and energy restriction

Objective To investigate whether unstimulated whole saliva flow rate (UFR) and osmolality (Sosm) track changes in hydration status during 48 h of restricted fluid intake (RF) or combined fluid and energy restriction (RF + RE). Following the 48 h periods, UFR and Sosm were assessed after acute exercise dehydration and rehydration. Design Thirteen healthy males completed three trials in a randomised order: control (CON) where participants received their estimated energy (12,154 ± 230 kJ/d: mean ± S.E.M) and fluid (3912 ± 140 ml/d) requirements, RF trial where participants received their energy requirements and 193 ± 19 ml/d water to drink (total fluid 960 ± 15 ml/d) and RF + RE where participants received 1214 ± 25 kJ/d and 962 ± 16 ml/d. After 48 h, participants completed 30 min of maximal exercise followed by rehydration (0–2 h) and refeeding (2–6 h). Results At 48 h body mass loss exceeded 3% on RF and RF + RE. UFR decreased during 48 h on RF (510 ± 122 to 169 ± 37 μl/min) and RF + RE (452 ± 92 to 265 ± 53 μl/min) and was lower than CON at 48 h (441 ± 90 μl/min: P < 0.05). Sosm increased during 48 h on RF (54 ± 3 to 73 ± 5 mOsmol/kg) and RF + RE (52 ± 3 to 68 ± 5 mOsmol/kg) and was greater than CON at 48 h (52 ± 2 mOsmol/kg: P < 0.05). Unlike UFR, Sosm identified the additional hypohydration associated with exercise ( P < 0.05) and returned to within 0 h values with rehydration. Conclusions Sosm, and to a lesser extent UFR, track hydration status during a 48 h period of RF or RF + RE and after subsequent exercise and rehydration.

Relationship of chewing-stimulated whole saliva flow rate and salivary gland size

Objective We have recently reported that unstimulated whole saliva flow rates (UWSFR) correlate positively with salivary gland sizes and body profiles of weight and body mass indices. In the present study, the correlations of chewing-stimulated whole saliva flow rates (CWSFR) with salivary gland sizes and the body profiles were investigated, and the results were compared with those of UWSFR. Design Saliva samples were collected from 24 healthy young males and 26 females by the spitting method while chewing paraffin and the CWSFRs were measured. UWSFR and the estimated sizes of the three major salivary glands in our previous study were used. Results The CWSFRs in all subjects and in males correlated positively with UWSFR, but not in females. The CWSFRs in all subjects correlated positively with parotid and/or submandibular gland sizes, weights and body mass indices, just as with UWSFR; however, the correlation coefficients with salivary gland sizes were smaller than those of UWSFR. In contrast to the results of UWSFR, the correlation coefficients of the CWSFRs with parotid gland sizes in all subjects were larger than those with the sizes of the submandibular glands. The CWSFRs in males correlated only with parotid gland sizes, and those in females did not correlate with any of the parameters. Conclusions The results suggest that the larger the size of the salivary glands, the greater the CWSFR, at least in males.

Gender difference in unstimulated whole saliva flow rate and salivary gland sizes

A gender difference in the unstimulated whole saliva flow rate (UWSFR) may be due to a difference in the sizes of the salivary glands. In this study, we investigated the relationships among the UWSFR, gland sizes and body sizes of healthy young adult males and females. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected for 5 min by the spitting method in 50 healthy young adults, and the flow rate of the saliva was measured. Heights and weights were measured, and body mass indices (BMI) were calculated. The sizes of the salivary glands were measured by use of a magnetic resonance imaging technique. Parotid and submandibular gland sizes and flow rates in females were significantly smaller than those in males, as were also the weights, heights and BMI. In both males and females, there were significant positive correlations between gland sizes and the flow rates, weights and BMI. The variations of the flow rates were reduced by standardizing them with gland sizes, weights and BMI. These results suggest that the lower UWSFR in females as compared with males is due to the smaller gland sizes due to the smaller body sizes.

Influence of the time of measurement of unstimulated human whole saliva on the diagnosis of hyposalivation

An unstimulated whole saliva flow rate (UWSFR) of less than 0.1 mL/min is often related to symptoms of dry mouth. It is also used as a diagnostic criterion for Sjogren's syndrome, and for assessment of hyposalivation as a caries risk factor. The main hypothesis was that the circadian rhythm of salivary flow affects this diagnosis if saliva is collected at different morning time-points. UWSFR was tested at 7:30 and 11:30 a.m. in 108 individuals, age 15-46 years (mean 33+/-9). The participants were allocated to one of three groups (very low< or =0. 1/min, low 0.1-0.2 mL/min and normal>0.2 mL/min) based on the UWSFR at 7:30 a.m. Different aspects of the perception of oral dryness were rated using Visual Analog Scales. All three groups displayed a statistically significant increase in UWSFR at 11:30 a.m. compared with 7:30 a.m., all of similar magnitude (0.08-0.09 mL/min). In the group with very low UWSFR, 70% at 11:30 a.m. exceeded the 0.1 mL/min limit. There were significant difference in perception of oral dryness between the normal group and both the low and the very low groups. Only the subjects in the groups with a low or very low UWSFR perceived an increase in oral wetness at 11:30 a.m. It was concluded that the time of measurement strongly influences the diagnosis of hyposalivation. To control the influence of variations in the time of saliva collection, we suggest that unstimulated whole saliva tests are performed at a fixed time-point or in a limited time interval early in the morning.

Evaluation of unstimulated flow rates of whole and palatal saliva in healthy patients wearing complete dentures and in patients with Sjogren's syndrome

Statement of problem The palate and upper lip are the regions of oral mucosa covered with the least amount of saliva. These areas are important for maxillary denture retention and stability. Thus, patients with xerostomia or hyposalivation may have problems with the stability of maxillary complete dentures. Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) and palatal saliva (PS) flow rates of healthy patients wearing complete dentures and patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) and to determine whether xerostomia or hyposalivation has a negative influence on maxillary complete denture stability. A further aim was to determine the influence of new complete dentures on UWS and PS flow rates in healthy individuals. Material and methods Thirty-five complete denture wearers, 24 healthy individuals (controls) and 11 patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for primary Sjogren's syndrome (as proposed by the European Community Study Group) were investigated. All participants were questioned about possible subjective oral complaints (xerostomia or instability of the dentures) through use of a standardized questionnaire. In the first part of the study, UWS and PS flow rates of the healthy subjects (controls) and of the SS patients were measured at the initial visit. The flow rate of UWS (mL/min) was collected by the “spitting” method; saliva was collected into preweighed vessels for 5 minutes while subjects were seated in an upright position. Patients were asked to refrain from smoking, eating, and drinking for 2 hours prior to the test session, to avoid swallowing, and to make as few movements as possible during the procedure. The PS flow rate (μL/min/cm 2) was measured using previously weighed filter paper discs placed bilaterally in the region of the maxillary second molars, 15 mm palatally from the edentulous ridge, for 30 seconds. The measuring vessels and paper discs were weighed before and after each collection. In the second part of the study, new complete dentures were fabricated for healthy patients. Flow rates of UWS and PS were measured 7 days after the insertion to compare data with prefabrication values. Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon rank sum tests and chi-square test were used to analyze the data (α=.05). Results The UWS flow rates were significantly lower in SS patients compared to healthy controls (0.36 ± 0.33 vs 0.09 ± 0.11 mL/min, P<.05), yet the PS flow rate for both groups was not significantly different. Although every SS patient had xerostomia, and 8 out of 11 had hyposalivation, no patient complained about denture instability. Neither UWS flow rate (0.36 ± 0.33 mL/min and 0.39 ± 0.35 mL/min) nor PS flow rate (1.66 ± 0.99 μL/cm 2/min and 1.86 ± 0.45 μL/cm 2/min) was different from the preinsertion values after 1 week of new denture insertion in healthy patients. Conclusion Palatal mucous saliva may help stabilize the maxillary complete denture in patients with hyposalivation. The results suggest that neither UWS or PS flow rate are influenced by the placement of new dentures in complete denture wearers.

The effects of blindfolding and blindness on the unstimulated and chewing-gum-stimulated flow rates of whole saliva

In the early 1970s, Shannon and his colleagues reported that blindfolding caused a reduction in the flow rate of unstimulated and stimulated parotid and submandibular saliva. A study in three parts was now made to investigate the effects of blindfolding or blindness on the flow rate of whole saliva. For the first study, unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) was collected for 5 min from 34 individuals and then eight samples of chewing-gum-stimulated whole saliva (SWS) over a 20-min period. This was carried out on four separate occasions, on two of which, in random order, the individuals collected the saliva immediately after being blindfolded. For the second study, 33 of the individuals repeated the saliva collection protocol on two occasions, with and without blindfolding, but with an accommodation period of 20 min after blindfolding before beginning collection of UWS and with only three samples of SWS being collected over a 4-min period. The flow rate of UWS while blindfolded was significantly ( p < 0.0001) reduced (to 64 and 71% of the flow rate while sighted, in the first and second studies, respectively), as was the flow rate of SWS (to 81–86%, p < 0.0001; and 91–95%, p = 0.0014, respectively). For the third study, UWS and SWS were collected from 24 blind individuals, ranging in age from 13–73 years, and from 24 age- and gender-matched controls. The flow rates of UWS and SWS were not significantly different in the blind participants and controls. DMFT values were 11.1 ± 1.4 and 12.3 ± 1.5 (mean ± SE) in the blind and the controls, respectively, and these values were not significantly different. Thus this study provides no evidence that blind people have lower salivary flow rates or are more susceptible to dental caries than are people with normal sight.