Determination of variation of stimulated salivary flow rates

Salivary hypofunction is associated with oral and pharyngeal disorders and requires early diagnosis and intervention. Large variability in salivary flow rates within and between individuals has been reported, which has impaired the establishment of standard values. The objective of this study was to determine variations in stimulated parotid and submandibular flow rates over 6 hours and to define salivary hypofunction. Pooled mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation values for four collection time periods were obtained from 36 healthy males and females (18 young, ages 20-38; 18 older, ages 60-77). The results demonstrated 27-44% variation in salivary flow rates over time. Overall, there were no significant age or gender differences in variability between and within salivary flow rates at all collection time periods. The results suggest that a 45% range in salivary flow rates could be considered normal salivary variation, and values below 45% of normal levels could be used to define salivary hypofunction.