When recording unstimulated salivary flow rate, we consider 0.3-0.4 ml/min as regular and less than 0.1 ml/min as oligosialia. These values are measured for adults. Shall we use those values also for children? I could not identify any paper or recommendation regarding the evaluation of the salivary flow rate in children with other values than for adults. Is the normal salivary flow rate constant over the ages?
Great question. A study from Sweden concerning minor salivary glands found some differences (Swed Dent J Suppl. 2011;(215):9-64), with the flow rate of the buccal glands being significantly lower in children than in adults. Several studies show compositional differences between children and adults but also between children from different regions of the world.
Thank you both for your postings. There should be done some Research ...
I agree with Kristie. In our study, after we control variables during statistical analysis, age, sex, ethnic, and also time influence salivary flow rate. For me, what is normal range of salivary secretion are very subjective because those variables that we control also affected with seasonal changes. For children, what we found are range between 0.1ml/min to 0.3ml/min also consider as normal.
Thank you all - so would you agree to set the Diagnosis Oligosialia in children by less than 0.1ml/min (unstimulated flow rate)?
I suggest that you contact Prof Colin Dawes, who will certainly know how extensively this has been studied: [email protected]
if diagnose as one of the sign of Oligosialia, yes; but as Oligosialia per-se ,no.
Thank you. Also for my study, the flow rate of saliva is not the main Focus. We have examined oral health in children hospitalized in psychiatriy. Some psychopharmaca are known to produce hyposalivation/xerostomia. So, we are trying to investigate (among other factors) also the saliva flow rate in these children. I think, we have to be very cautious in Setting diagnosis related to saliva flow - but I hope we will see some influences on the Overall oral health. Data Analysis is ongoing...
Salivary glands produce 1-1.5 L of saliva per day, and 0.3-0.4 ml/min on regular basis. Saliva production is caused by activation of salivary nuclei in the pons and medulla by the presence of food in the oral cavity as well as from the thought, sight, or smell of food. Activation of the salivary nuclei causes parasympathetic outflow to the salivary glands and saliva production. d. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system causes decreases in saliva production. Age play a significant role in salivary flow rates. It is often assumed that salivary secretion reduces with age. About 25% of the elderly suffer from oral dryness and related complaints. As the age increases, saliva and the concentrations of high-molecular and low-molecular mucins in mucous saliva appeared to be reduced with age. Here is the link to literature reviews.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9084322
Thank you
Dr. Mohsen
yes, definitely, Salivary flow rate differs from children to adults. children will be having more than adults and also there are 3 types which includes serous type, mucous type and mixed type. It is believed that as the age advances salivary secretion will be reduced.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9084322
The salivary flow rate do differ between individuals and also between different age group. It would be good if a review can be written on this aspect.
Thank you