Author:
Ramadoss Ramya,Krishnan Rajkumar,Raman Swarnalakshmi,Padmanaban Rajashree,Anbuelangovan Nagarathinam,Eswaramoorthy Rajalakshmanan
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Xerostomia (dryness of the mouth) is one of the most common long-term consequences of ageing, and it causes a tremendous impact on the function and morphology of the salivary ductal system. As a consequence, it leads to a decrease in the amount of salivary output and also affects the overall quality of life. The purpose of this study was to determine whether electrostimulation using a custom designed transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device will help to improve the quality of secreted saliva following electrostimulation.
Methods
One hundred thirty-five participants underwent the intervention for three months, twice daily (80 Hz). Pre-intervention and post-intervention unstimulated saliva were collected. Parameters such as salivary pH, cortisol level, salivary antioxidants, total protein, the viscosity of saliva, and microbial carriage were analysed.
Results
Salivary pH, cortisol, microbial cultures, viscosity, and antioxidants showed a significant difference at the end of the 3rd month (p < 0.05). Irrespective of the patient's age, gender, and common underlying systemic illnesses (diabetes and hypertension), a significant change in the quality of the salivary analytes was observed.
Conclusion
The study emphasises the use of a custom designed TENS device in improving the quality of secreted saliva among old patients with oral dryness.
Funder
Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC