The method of assessment of salivary glands secretory function

Aim. To develop a method for the assessment of the secretory function of salivary glands. Methods. BK-300.1 («MASSA-K», Russia) weighting machine (presicion ±0,01 g), two standard cotton swabs and two absorbent dental pads «Dry Tips» («Mölnlycke Health Care», Sweden) were used for the assessment of the secretory function of salivary glands. Each absorbent pad and cotton swabs were weighted before the procedure. The examination was performed at morning hours on a fasting patient seated on a dentist’s chair without salivation stimulation. Absorbent pads were placed on the buccal mucosa with parotid orifice at the centre of the pad. Absorbent pads and cotton swabs soaked with saliva were re-weighted after 5 minutes. The examination was repeated thrice at different visits, the mean weight of saliva from major salivary glands was calculated. Salivary function of submandibular and sublingual salivary glands was also assessed. Saliva weight was assessed for each parotid gland separately. Results. The advantages of the offered method are: ease of use, opportunity to assess each parotid, submandibular and sublingual gland separately, express evaluation, good tolerance. Conclusion. The developed method allows to get the precise result and to assess the secretory function of salivary glands accurately.

salivary glands, salivation, major salivary glands, syalometry, xerostomia