Evaluation of the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on whole saliva flow: A clinical study

Background and Objectives : Xerostomia and salivary gland hypofunction are associated with advancing age, autoimmune diseases such as Sjφgren′s syndrome, head and neck radiation, smoking and recreational drug usage. Palliative management of xerostomia includes topical agents such as ice chips, saliv...

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Main Authors: Saraf Kedar Vilas, M C Shashikant, I M Ali
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2009-01-01
Series:Journal of Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.jiaomr.in/article.asp?issn=0972-1363;year=2009;volume=21;issue=1;spage=7;epage=11;aulast=Vilas
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author Saraf Kedar Vilas
M C Shashikant
I M Ali
author_facet Saraf Kedar Vilas
M C Shashikant
I M Ali
author_sort Saraf Kedar Vilas
collection DOAJ
description Background and Objectives : Xerostomia and salivary gland hypofunction are associated with advancing age, autoimmune diseases such as Sjφgren′s syndrome, head and neck radiation, smoking and recreational drug usage. Palliative management of xerostomia includes topical agents such as ice chips, saliva substitutes, increasing water intake, paraffin and citric acid containing lozenges. Systemic agents have been used, but some drugs have been found to have unfavorable side effects. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on whole salivary flow rate in healthy adult subjects. Study Design : One hundred healthy adult subjects (50 males and 50 females), with no history of salivary gland disorder, were enrolled in this study. TENS electrode pads were placed externally on the skin overlying the parotid glands. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected for five minutes in a graduated tube, using a standardized collection technique. The TENS unit was then activated and stimulated saliva was collected for an additional five minutes. Results : Eighty five of the 100 subjects demonstrated increased whole salivary flow when stimulated via the TENS unit. Eleven experienced no change and four experienced a decrease in the salivary flow. The mean unstimulated salivary flow rate was 0.36 ml/min (SD 0.16) and there was a 21% increase in the salivary flow following TENS application. Statistical analysis of flow rates utilizing the paired ′t′ test showed the difference to be statistically significant (P< 0.001). Interpretation and Conclusion : The TENS unit was effective in increasing whole salivary flow in 85% of the healthy adult subjects. A further study in patients with xerostomia, secondary to various local and systemic causes, is required.
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spelling doaj.art-9c4dd710029b47fe8a8b7ebd76a4a5ce2022-12-21T19:42:04ZengWolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsJournal of Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology0972-13630975-15722009-01-0121171110.4103/0972-1363.57771Evaluation of the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on whole saliva flow: A clinical studySaraf Kedar VilasM C ShashikantI M AliBackground and Objectives : Xerostomia and salivary gland hypofunction are associated with advancing age, autoimmune diseases such as Sjφgren′s syndrome, head and neck radiation, smoking and recreational drug usage. Palliative management of xerostomia includes topical agents such as ice chips, saliva substitutes, increasing water intake, paraffin and citric acid containing lozenges. Systemic agents have been used, but some drugs have been found to have unfavorable side effects. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on whole salivary flow rate in healthy adult subjects. Study Design : One hundred healthy adult subjects (50 males and 50 females), with no history of salivary gland disorder, were enrolled in this study. TENS electrode pads were placed externally on the skin overlying the parotid glands. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected for five minutes in a graduated tube, using a standardized collection technique. The TENS unit was then activated and stimulated saliva was collected for an additional five minutes. Results : Eighty five of the 100 subjects demonstrated increased whole salivary flow when stimulated via the TENS unit. Eleven experienced no change and four experienced a decrease in the salivary flow. The mean unstimulated salivary flow rate was 0.36 ml/min (SD 0.16) and there was a 21% increase in the salivary flow following TENS application. Statistical analysis of flow rates utilizing the paired ′t′ test showed the difference to be statistically significant (P< 0.001). Interpretation and Conclusion : The TENS unit was effective in increasing whole salivary flow in 85% of the healthy adult subjects. A further study in patients with xerostomia, secondary to various local and systemic causes, is required.http://www.jiaomr.in/article.asp?issn=0972-1363;year=2009;volume=21;issue=1;spage=7;epage=11;aulast=VilasStimulated salivatranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulationwhole salivary flowxerostomia
spellingShingle Saraf Kedar Vilas
M C Shashikant
I M Ali
Evaluation of the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on whole saliva flow: A clinical study
Journal of Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology
Stimulated saliva
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
whole salivary flow
xerostomia
title Evaluation of the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on whole saliva flow: A clinical study
title_full Evaluation of the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on whole saliva flow: A clinical study
title_fullStr Evaluation of the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on whole saliva flow: A clinical study
title_full_unstemmed Evaluation of the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on whole saliva flow: A clinical study
title_short Evaluation of the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on whole saliva flow: A clinical study
title_sort evaluation of the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on whole saliva flow a clinical study
topic Stimulated saliva
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
whole salivary flow
xerostomia
url http://www.jiaomr.in/article.asp?issn=0972-1363;year=2009;volume=21;issue=1;spage=7;epage=11;aulast=Vilas
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