The influence of various stimuli on the salivary flow rate

Objectives : The objective of the study was to examine influence of various stimuli on the salivary flow rate in students. Methods : This cross sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, in 108 randomly included students. Students were divided into four groups: group 1-stimulated with physical activity (n=28), group 2-stimulated with chewing gum mint (n=28), group 3-stimulated with chewing gum strawberry (n=25) and group 4-stimulated with lemon flavored candy (n=27). Unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rate was determined. Results : Out of 108 students included in the study, 46 were men. Age range was 19-26 years. The flow rate of stimulated salivary flow rate in the study group 1 was lower (0.21 ± 0.04 mL/min) compared to unstimulated one (0.34 ± 0.03 mL/min, (p=0.001). Stimulated salivary flow rates in groups 2, 3 and 4 were higher compared to unstimulated salivary flow rates (p<0.001). Unstimulated salivary flow rate was not associated with gender, daily consumption of cigarettes and chewing gums. There was positive association between unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rate and negative association between BMI and stimulated salivary flow rate. Conclusion : Various stimuli had different influence on stimulated salivary flow rate, showing decrease by physical activity and increase by chewing gum and candy. The clinical use of candies and sugar free chewing gums can provide relief to patients with xerostomia. In order to clarify negative association between BMI and stimulated salivary flow rate, larger prospective studies with different age groups are needed. Keywords : saliva, stimuli, unstimulated salivary flow rate, stimulated salivary flow rate