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Oral mucosal status and major salivary gland function
1National Institute of Dental Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, and Oral Pathology
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Saliva is important for oral health, but even with low salivary gland performance, oral mucosa is often preserved. However, a complete lack of saliva rarely allows for normal oral mucosa.
Area of Science:
- Oral Medicine
- Salivary Gland Physiology
Background:
- Normal salivary function is vital for maintaining oral mucosa health.
- Limited research exists on mucosal changes related to objectively measured salivary gland performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess oral mucosal status in patients with documented salivary gland performance issues.
- To investigate the relationship between salivary output and oral mucosal integrity.
Main Methods:
- Oral examinations and salivary flow rate measurements (unstimulated and stimulated) from parotid and submandibular/sublingual glands were conducted.
- 298 patients from a dry mouth clinic were evaluated.
- Data were analyzed based on diagnosis and salivary output, with an oral mucosal rating assigned.
Main Results:
- Most patients exhibited well-preserved mucosal surfaces without infections.
- Patients with Sjögren's syndrome and radiation-induced xerostomia had reduced salivary output but similar mucosal status to healthy controls or those with idiopathic xerostomia.
- A complete absence of salivary flow was rarely associated with normal-appearing oral mucosa.
Conclusions:
- Saliva plays a role in preserving oral mucosal integrity.
- Other factors likely contribute to maintaining healthy oral mucosa, even in the presence of reduced salivary function.