Recent advances of pacemakers in treatment of xerostomia: A systematic review

Abstract

Objectives: Treatment of dry mouth is the most common clinical challenge in the dental field. Although some remedies have been used to improve the signs and symptoms of xerostomia, none of them are absolutely satisfactory for the patients who have this alteration. In the current years, non-pharmacological treatments based on neuro-electro-stimulation for the treatment of xerostomia were developed. This review aimed at presenting recent developments for the treatment of xerostomia, applying neuro-electro-stimulation by miniaturized intraoral electrostimulators. Materials and Methods: A thorough literature search between 1986 and 2018 was carried out using PubMed Central, Scopus, National Science Library, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases; the results were reviewed, prioritized, and the findings were compiled. Twenty-two studies were evaluated for the review. Results: This tool increases salivary secretion and improves xerostomia symptoms. Scientific trials have been carried out, which have revealed the wetting effect of the method described in this text. Conclusion: Neuro-electro-stimulation of the salivary gland plays an important role in the stimulation of saliva in patients who need further therapy and have poor quality of life. Intraoral electrostimulator offers a new non-pharmacological method for treating dry mouth.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of AqualiefTM Mucoadhesive Tablets in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Who Developed Radiation-Induced Xerostomia

“…Other compounds that have been reported to be of some efficacy in the treatment of xerostomia with residual salivary gland function are anethol trithione, which simulates the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to increased secretion of acetylcholine and, consequently, to the stimulation of saliva secretion [47], and yohimbine, an α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist which leads, indirectly, to an increase of peripheral cholinergic activity [48]. Non-pharmacologic approaches that are used episodically for the treatment of xerostomia in these patients are electrical stimulation of the salivary glands [49] and acupuncture [50].…”

Prosthodontic implications of saliva and salivary gland dysfunction

“…Nonpharmacological management of xerostomia through acupuncture and electrostimulation has shown to be well tolerated by patients, however, there is doubt about the true benefit of increasing salivary flow among some cohorts, such as patients receiving radiotherapy 94 . Electrostimulation intraoral devices have taken multiple forms in recent years; some have a handheld electrode and are placed sublingually such as the Salipen, while the implant‐supported Saliwell Crown is fixed intraorally resulting in continuous stimulation of salivation 95 …”

“…94 Electrostimulation intraoral devices have taken multiple forms in recent years; some have a handheld electrode and are placed sublingually such as the Salipen, while the implant-supported Saliwell Crown is fixed intraorally resulting in continuous stimulation of salivation. 95 Sialagogues such as lemon (e.g., candy, slice, juice) and vitamin E were found effective in relieving xerostomia, while vitamin C and chewing gum have demonstrated a limited benefit. 93 Saliva substitutes vary and should be selected based on patient preference as they all have been found to alleviate symptoms of xerostomia.…”

Perspective Chapter: Pulmonary System and Sjogren’s Syndrome

“…There have been investigative developments in oral electrostimulators, which induce salivary production and flow [235,236]. However, their usage is vastly limited due to lack of larger trials, greater efficacy of medications, and cumbersome device management.…”