“…The mean baseline salivary flow rate was 0.15 ± 0.05 ml/min, while the mean salivary flow rate post-intervention at three months was 0.35 ± 0.09 ml/min (Table 5 ) [ 19 ]. Even though our study did not have a separate control group, baseline saliva was considered the control group in standardising the outcome.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Miniature electrodes were custom designed and developed using bio-safe stainless steel (SS 304). The device was custom designed to generate electrical impulses through the electrodes on the body (conductor) at a set frequency (80 Hz), which is hypothesised to stimulate the efferent nerves to improve the secretomotor drive and salivary output [ 19 , 34 ]. Fig.…”
Section: Methodsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Unlike the bulky, heavy TENS devices available on the market, the device used was compact and easier to use. The device showed promising results during the pilot run in improving the salivary output, compelling the need for further analysis among a larger population and to assess the quality of the salivary output [ 19 ]. This study aimed at a progressive evaluation of qualitative aspects of post-interventional whole unstimulated saliva secreted following the use of the novel single-unit wireless TENS device in patients aged > 60 years presenting with oral dryness Our null hypothesis is that the novel TENS device has no effect on the qualitative parameters of post-intervention, whole unstimulated saliva.…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…This study aimed at a progressive evaluation of qualitative aspects of post-interventional whole unstimulated saliva secreted following the use of the novel single-unit wireless TENS device in patients aged > 60 years presenting with oral dryness Our null hypothesis is that the novel TENS device has no effect on the qualitative parameters of post-intervention, whole unstimulated saliva. The quantitative measure (i.e., salivary flow rate) of the post-intervention saliva has been published elsewhere but is mentioned here for emphasising the relevance between the salivary flow and its relevant functional measures that signifies the quality of the secreted saliva [ 19 ]. A thorough literature search revealed that the qualitative and quantitative assessment of both pre-interventional and post-interventional whole unstimulated saliva in patients above 60 years with mouth dryness is unique and the first of its kind.…”
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.
“…The mean baseline salivary flow rate was 0.15 ± 0.05 ml/min, while the mean salivary flow rate post-intervention at three months was 0.35 ± 0.09 ml/min (Table 5 ) [ 19 ]. Even though our study did not have a separate control group, baseline saliva was considered the control group in standardising the outcome.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Miniature electrodes were custom designed and developed using bio-safe stainless steel (SS 304). The device was custom designed to generate electrical impulses through the electrodes on the body (conductor) at a set frequency (80 Hz), which is hypothesised to stimulate the efferent nerves to improve the secretomotor drive and salivary output [ 19 , 34 ]. Fig.…”
Section: Methodsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Unlike the bulky, heavy TENS devices available on the market, the device used was compact and easier to use. The device showed promising results during the pilot run in improving the salivary output, compelling the need for further analysis among a larger population and to assess the quality of the salivary output [ 19 ]. This study aimed at a progressive evaluation of qualitative aspects of post-interventional whole unstimulated saliva secreted following the use of the novel single-unit wireless TENS device in patients aged > 60 years presenting with oral dryness Our null hypothesis is that the novel TENS device has no effect on the qualitative parameters of post-intervention, whole unstimulated saliva.…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…This study aimed at a progressive evaluation of qualitative aspects of post-interventional whole unstimulated saliva secreted following the use of the novel single-unit wireless TENS device in patients aged > 60 years presenting with oral dryness Our null hypothesis is that the novel TENS device has no effect on the qualitative parameters of post-intervention, whole unstimulated saliva. The quantitative measure (i.e., salivary flow rate) of the post-intervention saliva has been published elsewhere but is mentioned here for emphasising the relevance between the salivary flow and its relevant functional measures that signifies the quality of the secreted saliva [ 19 ]. A thorough literature search revealed that the qualitative and quantitative assessment of both pre-interventional and post-interventional whole unstimulated saliva in patients above 60 years with mouth dryness is unique and the first of its kind.…”
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.
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