A method for measuring the flow of saliva from the minor salivary glands

This investigation evaluated a procedure to measure the quantity of secretion by the minor salivary glands from various locations in the mouth before and after citric acid stimulation. Fourteen healthy non-medicated adults were assessed on each of two morning visits at the same specific areas of the mucosa (labial, buccal, and palatal). During each assessment, an absorbent paper strip was placed on each designated location for 30 s, removed, and its moisture content determined with a calibrated Periotron. Calibration procedures indicated that readings were linearly associated with known saliva volumes and were negligibly influenced by differences in salt concentration and viscosity. At each visit, the buccal flow was significantly greater than those from the lip and palate. The flow from glands in each area was unaffected by a single application of the gustatory stimulant. The mean flow rates at each specified site were similar during the two visits.