Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Examination of Oral Candida Infection in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Patients
Published on: March 1, 2024
Association between salivary flow rates, oral symptoms, and oral mucosal status
Ilana Kaplan1, Limor Zuk-Paz, Andy Wolff
1Institute of Pathology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tiqva, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
Objective:
To investigate the association of salivary flow rates with oral symptoms and oral mucosal status.
Study Design:
The study population included 462 Israeli subjects attending a xerostomia clinic. After patient history and oral mucosal examination, major gland sialometry, and complementary tests, patients were divided into 6 groups: drug-induced salivary gland hypofunction (SGH), Sjögren syndrome (SS), radiation-induced SGH, idiopathic SGH, xerostomia without SGH, and control.
Results:
Oral mucosal alterations were more prevalent in all SGH groups than in the control group. Oral symptoms (except speech impairment) were more frequent in all SGH groups. The postradiation group showed the highest frequency of oral mucosal alterations and of swallowing and mastication complaints. Individuals complaining of xerostomia (compared with those who did not) displayed lower major salivary gland flow rates and a higher frequency of oral mucosal alterations
Conclusions:
Presence of oral mucosal alterations may help but are not enough to identify patients for further evaluation of SGH. Difficulties in mastication and swallowing are most specifically related to advanced SGH.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Salivary Glands and Saliva
The Oral Microbiota
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems related to...
