Frequency of salivary flow rate measurements in Sweden 2008-2024

Saliva flow rate measurement (SFRM) is a prerequisite for accurate diagnosis of hyposalivation, but national data about the frequency of SFRM conducted in the Swedish population are lacking. The objective was to describe performed SFRMs in the population via registration in the Swedish dental financial system and compare with the earlier reported prevalence of hyposalivation.

A descriptive retrospective registry-based study was completed. Dental care registry data from 2008 to 2024 were investigated to determine the proportion of individuals > 25 years of age who had undergone SFRM.

During 2008-2024, 70,390 SFRMs were conducted in Sweden. SFRMs began to increase in 2013. SFRMs were performed more than twice as often for females than males. Measurements increased by age up to a peak at 65-69 years of age (1.7%) and decreased thereafter. The frequency of SFRM amounted to approximately 0.9% of the total Swedish population.

The number of SFRMs performed in the Swedish population is low overall, with increased numbers in women and in older ages. The findings support that an increased use of SFRM to improve diagnosis of hyposalivation could be beneficial to understand more about the prevalence of hyposalivation and support for preventive caries treatment.