Studies on human minor salivary gland secretions using the Periotron method

Secretions from minor salivary glands were estimated in 127 individuals by the Periotron method of measuring fluid output from different mucosal sites, and outputs were related to different variables. Large intra- and interindividual variations in secretions (expressed as microliter/cm2 per min) were observed, with means of 0.9 for the palatal, 4.8 for the labial and 16.0 for the buccal mucosal sites. Age had no influence on the secretion rate, but women had 10-20% lower values from all three sites than men (p < 0.05). Individuals wearing upper dentures or using tobacco had 300 and 27% increased palatal secretion rates, respectively (p < 0.001, p < 0.05). In addition, those being treated with diuretics had 15% lower rates of secretion from buccal mucosal glands (p < 0.05), and those complaining of oral dryness had 21% lower fluid output from the labial mucosa (p < 0.05). These results support the use of minor salivary glands in combination with the Periotron method to study mucosal secretions and functions.