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The relationship between salivary secretion rate and masticatory efficiency
T Ishijima1, H Koshino, T Hirai
1Department of Removable Prosthodontics, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido School of Dentistry, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido, Japan. ishijima@hoku-iryo-u.ac.jp
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|May 6, 2004
Summary
Saliva significantly impacts chewing efficiency. Reduced saliva flow from atropine sulphate impaired mastication, while increased flow from pilocarpine hydrochloride did not enhance it, highlighting saliva's crucial role.
Area of Science:
- Oral physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Masticatory efficiency is crucial for digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Saliva plays a known role in lubrication and bolus formation during mastication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between salivary secretion rate and masticatory efficiency.
- To determine the effects of experimentally induced hypo- and hyper-salivation on chewing function.
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy, fully dentate participants were administered atropine sulphate (anticholinergic) and pilocarpine hydrochloride (muscarinic).
- Unstimulated whole salivary secretion rate and masticatory efficiency (sieve method) were measured pre- and post-drug administration.
- Statistical analysis (P-values) was used to assess significant changes.
Main Results:
- Atropine sulphate significantly decreased salivary secretion (P < 0.05).
- Pilocarpine hydrochloride significantly increased salivary secretion (P < 0.01).
- Masticatory efficiency significantly decreased after atropine sulphate administration (P < 0.01); pilocarpine hydrochloride did not significantly improve it.
Conclusions:
- Salivary secretion rate is directly linked to masticatory efficiency.
- Reduced salivation impairs chewing function.
- While essential, increased salivation alone does not necessarily enhance masticatory efficiency beyond a certain threshold.