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Abstract Bleaching gel thickeners induce important changes in tooth enamel and these changes are reversed by saliva. Objective This in situ study aimed to evaluate the effect of bleaching gels with different thickeners on tooth enamel under normal and hyposalivation conditions. Methodology Of 28 participants, 14 had normal salivary flow and 14 had low salivary flow. For each salivary flow, four types of treatment were performed with different thickeners: no bleaching (negative control), bleaching with a commercial 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) gel with carbopol (positive control) and bleaching with experimental 10% CP gels with natrosol and aristoflex. Participants used a palatal appliance containing bovine enamel/dentin specimens for 15 days. From day 2 to day 15, specimens were bleached extraorally. The bleaching gel was applied according to the groups for four hours. When the bleaching gel was removed, the palatal appliance was inserted again in the participants' mouth until the next day for another bleaching application. This procedure was repeated for 14 days and on day 15, surface microhardness (SMH), color (ΔE*ab and ΔE00), surface roughness (Ra), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) analyses were performed and data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results Neither salivary flow nor thickeners influenced ΔE*ab and ΔE00 results. Carbopol had the lowest SMH, the highest Ra, and the lowest Ca% among all groups. For normal flow, natrosol and aristoflex had higher SMH. For low flow, aristoflex had higher SMH and natrosol and aristoflex had lower Ra. Aristoflex had higher Ca% and Ca/P and differed from carbopol for normal flow. Conclusion For normal flow, 10% CP gels with natrosol and aristoflex caused fewer surface changes, and for low flow, only the 10% CP gel with aristoflex.
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ABSTRACT Objective: Most drugs used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder treatment can affect saliva secretion. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed drug for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was approved for use in children over the age of 6 years. However, limited information is available on the use and long-term adverse effects of methylphenidate in preschool children (< 6 years). We explored the effects of methylphenidate on salivary flow rate and salivary buffering capacity during treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Methods: Children who were diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder by expert psychiatrists, under medical treatment, and those who had no other systemic diseases were included. Stimulated saliva samples were collected before prescription of methylphenidate and after 15 days, 30 days and 3 months of regular drug intake. The samples were analysed for Streptococcus mutans, as well as salivary buffering capacity and salivary flow rate. Twenty children (age range, 6-15 years) with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were included. Results: The mean salivary buffering capacity value at month 3 was significantly lower than that at baseline and at day 15. Regarding the distribution according to salivary flow rate, statistically significant differences were found between baseline and the first month and between baseline and month 3 These results indicate that methylphenidate consumption in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder leads to reduced salivary buffering capacity and salivary flow rate after 3 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Parents should be informed about necessary preventive dental treatments to minimize the negative oral and dental effects of long-term drug use in children.
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@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) / Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the most significant public health challenges in Surabaya, Indonesia where the greatest number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) among key populations is in areas served by Sememi Public Health Center. HIV-infected persons have a greater risk for developing dental caries, such as salivary gland enlargement, and decreased salivary glands function. Given the fact that PLWHA are at high risk of dental caries, utilization of dental health service among PLWHA are still low.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> This study aims to know the factors influencing dental caries in HIV/AIDS patients.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODS:</strong> This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted on 16 HIV-seropositive individuals. They were asked to complete a WHO questionnaire concerning basic oral health and quality of life. Dental caries was assessed using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Whole stimulated saliva samples were also collected.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Nine out of 16 respondents had low salivary flow rate (56.3%). One patient had low DMF-T score (6.3%) and eight had high DMFT score (50%). Among seven respondents who had normal salivary flow rate (43.8%), two of whom had low DMFT score (12.5%) and five of whom had high DMFT score (31.3%).</p>
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Humans , Male , Female , HIV , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome , Oral Hygiene , Dental Caries , SalivaABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy of needle-knife and hydroxychloroquine sulfate in the treatment of dry mouth and eyes symptoms of primary Sjögren's syndrome.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. In the observation group, needle-knife was used in the range of 2 cm and 2-3 cm below the occipital protuberance, the left and right lateral bone edges of the C spinous process, between and within the range of 1.5-3 cm beside the C and C spinous processes, points between the left and right mandibular angle and the mastoid, the treatment was given 1 time a week for 8 times. The hydroxychloroquine sulfate was applied 0.2 g each time, 2 times daily, 4 weeks as a course and a total of 2 courses in the control group. The changes of salivary flow rate, tear volume, serum immunoglobulin IgG, IgA, IgM contents and Chinese medicine symptom score were observed before and after treatment in the two groups, and the efficacy was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#The total effective rate in the observation group was 86.7% (26/30), which was better than 70.0% (21/30) in the control group (0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Needle-knife is superior to hydroxychloroquine sulfate in improving dry mouth and eyes symptoms and reducing serum IgG content in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.
Subject(s)
Humans , Acupuncture Therapy , Hydroxychloroquine , Therapeutic Uses , Sjogren's Syndrome , Therapeutics , Tears , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Objective@#To explore the relationship betweenrheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic periodontitis (CP). @*Methods@# A total of 48 RA patients were recruited from the Rhematology Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College (SUMC). RA patients were matched on age and gender with healthy controls, who were recruited from the Stomatology Department. Dental parameters including unstimulated salivary flow rate(UWS), stimulated salivary flow rate (SWS), bleeding on probe (BOP), periodontal probing pocket (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and decayed, missing and filling (DMF) were recorded in all cases. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and Anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (Anti-CCP) were also recorded in RA patients. @*Results @#There were significant difference between RA group and health control group on salivary flow rate, BOP, PD, CAL and DMF (P< 0.001). Higher percentage of RA patients were diagnosed as periodontal disease than those in control group (P< 0.001). There was relationship between CAL and Anti-CCP antibody (P< 0.001). @*Conclusion @# RA patients have higher risk of CP, and there might be relationship between RA and CP.
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Objective@# The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of different concentrations of green tea on salivary flow rate and pH value. @* Methods@# 20 healthy college students aged from 18 to 25 were included in this study, at State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China College of Stomatology, Sichuan University. Salivary flow rate and pH value were measured between 21: 00 and 22: 00 after drinking water, low, medium, and high concentration of green tea. @*Results@#Female salivary flow rates in low and medium concentration group were significant higher than that in high concentration group and water group (F=5.20, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in male salivary flow rates among 4 groups (F=1.810, P=0.143). Salivary pH value in 3 green tea groups were lower than that in water group (F=3.50, P=0.02), with no significant difference among them. @*Conclusion@#Low and medium concentration green tea prevent decrease of salivary flow rate in healthy women but not in males. Salivary pH lowers after drinking different concentrations of green tea.
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Objetivo: o objetivo deste artigo foi revisar a literatura sobre a prática da acupuntura no tratamento da xerostomia e do hipofluxo salivar. Material e Métodos: foi realizada busca no PUBMED, SCIELO e GOOGLE ACADÊMICO. Os critérios de inclusão foram artigos em português e inglês. Resultados: a literatura revela uma grande falta de padronização entre trabalhos, fato que dificulta a comparação entre eles. Conclusão: mesmo com consideráveis estudos demostrando eficácia a curto e longo prazo, questões importantes ainda permanecem incertas, exigindo novas pesquisas para uma completa definição sobre o assunto.
Objective: the aim of this article was to review the literature about the practice of acupuncture for treatment of xerostomia and low salivary flow rate. Material and Methods: a search was performed using PUBMED, SCIELO, and GOOGLE ACADÊMICO. Full articles written in Portuguese and English were included in this study. Results: there is a lack of standardization among the studies, which makes comparisons between their results extremely difficult. Conclusion: even with considerable studies demonstrating short and long-term efficacy, important issues remain uncertain and require further research to provide a complete definition on the subject.
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Background: Salivary flow rate and pH may be altered by chewable tobacco, the habit which is becoming a threat for oral cancer epidemic. The objective of the study was to find out the relationship between alterations in resting salivary flow rate (RSFR) and pH, which are early signs of oral health deterioration, with different forms of chewing tobacco products. Methods: A total of 354 healthy male subjects, consuming any form of chewable tobacco, belonging to low socioeconomic areas of Karachi were selected for this cross sectional study. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic data and details of chewing habits (using since, pack/day, duration of exposure etc.). Resting saliva of every subject was collected for 5min and RSFR was expressed in ml/min. Salivary pH was determined by using pH strips (pH 0-14). Data was analyzed on SPSS version 20. Results: Of 354 subjects, 27.4% were gutka, 24.3% niswar, 24.3% paan and 24% multiple users with mean RSFR as 0.40±0.30, 0.65±0.32, 0.64±0.39 and 0.41±0.25 respectively. Mean resting salivary pH was 6.58±0.78 with the lowest pH; 6.16±0.65 in multiple users. RSFR and pH significantly decreased with increase in packs consumed/day, duration of exposure and duration of usage. Conclusion: A significant negative correlation was found between RSFR and pH with tobacco chewing.
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The symptoms of salivary diseasess are often nonspecific, and a variety of investigative methods can be employed. Conventional sialography, which is still widely used for diagnosis of salivary ductal pathologies, has the withdrawback of invasiveness and radiation exposure, and thus ultrasound and magnetic resonance (MR) sialography can replace the conventional tools. This study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of MR sialography for the diagnosis of idiopathic chronic sialadenitis. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: From November 2013 to June 2014, we have retrospectively analyzed 26 patients who have had swelling and pain of salivary glands and undergone MR sialography for further diagnosis of the idiopathic salivary obstructive symptom. We analyzed the symptom scores, salivary flow rate (SFR) and parameters of salivary gland scintigraphy. Then we evaluated correlation among MR sialography findings (duct visualization, grade of stenosis at main duct, degree of sialectasis and glandular volume size). RESULTS: Among the 26 patients, stenosis of salivary duct was observed in 14 patients (53.8%), chronic sialadenitis without stenosis in 6 patients (23.1%), Sjogren's syndrome in 3 patients (11.5%), Juvenile reccutent parotitis in 1 patient (3.8%), and 2 patients were norma (7.7%). The degree of sialectasis was significantly correlated with Tmin (time interval, in minutes, from stimulation to minimum count), maximum secretion (p<0.05), and glandular volume size was also significantly correlated with unstimulated SFR (p<0.05). But others did not show any significant correlations. From these findings, we report three cases that were useful to diagnose the gland disease using MR sialography. CONCLUSION: Resutls show that MR sialogarphy indirectly reflects the salivary gland function. Therefore MR sialography can be helpful when the differential diagnosis of idiopathic chronic sialadenitis is difficult with conventional tools.
Subject(s)
Humans , Constriction, Pathologic , Diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Parotitis , Pathology , Radionuclide Imaging , Retrospective Studies , Salivary Ducts , Salivary Glands , Sialadenitis , Sialography , Sjogren's Syndrome , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
The aim of this study to assess relationship between the dental caries status and growth indices among 3-year-old children of Ulaanbaatar city, Mongolia. The caries prevalence and mean dmft, dmfs score of all children were 94.3% and 8.3±4.8, 11.1±8.6 (p0.05). Children with high salivary flow rate were 3.2% in central kindergarten and 0% in peripheral. The mean±SD of body weight (p0.05) of boys were 15.2±2.2kg and 97.0±6.0cm, of gils 15.9±1.9kg and 97.6±5.8cm, of caries free children 15.9±1.5kg аnd 97.0±5.4cm, and of children with caries 15.6±2.1kg and 97.4±5.4cm (p>0.05), respectively. Children of peripheral kindergarten were lower by 1,4kg and 3.4cm than central (p<0.001). There were the weak and negative correlation between dental caries and growth indices among 3-year-old children of Ulaanbaatar city, Mongolia.
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The purpose of this study is to evaluate salivary flow rate, salivary pH, and cariogenic activity using unstimulated saliva of the head and neck cancer patients. Twenty three cancer patients (19 males, 4 females) who had undergone chemotherapy and radiation therapy and twenty four healthy volunteers (14 males, 10 females) as a control were included. Salivary flow rate, salivary pH, and cariogenic activity using unstimulated saliva were examined. Compared to saliva of the control group, salivary flow rate (p<0.001) and salivary pH (p<0.001) were significantly lower in head and neck cancer patients. The colony counts of Lactobacilli was higher in head and neck cancer patients (p<0.05) than in control group. These salivary factors and cariogenic activity can increase the prevalence of dental caries in head and neck cancer patients.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Dental Caries , Drug Therapy , Head and Neck Neoplasms , Healthy Volunteers , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Prevalence , SalivaABSTRACT
Objetivo: avaliar o índice de cárie dentária e parâmetros salivares comparando meninos e meninas.Métodos: a saliva total estimulada mecanicamente com parafilm foi coletada de 46 crianças saudáveis, com quatro a seis anos de idade, sendo 24 meninos e 22 meninas. As crianças foram divididas em subgrupos de acordo com o gênero (meninos e meninas) e presença de cárie dentária (cavidades de cárie, CC; livres de cárie, CF). A cárie dentária foi avaliada usando os critérios da OMS e Kappa=0,87. O grupo CC foi definido pela presença de no mínimo três superfícies com necessidade de restauração e o grupo CF pela ausência de dentes com lesões de cárie clinicamente detectáveis (ceo-s=o). Os parâmetros salivares avaliados foram o fluxo salivar, a concentração de proteína total e a atividade enzimática da peroxidase. Os resultados foram comparados por teste t de Student e Análise de Variância e teste de Tukey para contraste de média (p≤0,05). Resultados: crianças com cárie dentária apresentaram redução de 33% do fluxo salivar comparadas com crianças sem cárie dentária (p≤0,05). Entre as crianças com cárie dentária, as meninas apresentaram maior índice de cárie dentária comparadas com os meninos (98%, p≤0.05). As meninas apresentaram diferenças salivares mais pronunciadas comparados aos meninos, com maior concentração de proteína total e menor fluxo salivar e atividade da peroxidase (p≤0,05). Conclusão: o estudo sugere que o gênero pode influenciar o desenvolvimento de cárie dentária e parâmetros salivares de crianças...
Objective: To evaluate the dental caries index and salivary parametersin boys and girls. Method: Whole stimulated saliva by chewing Parafilm® was collected from 46 healthy children (24 boys and 22 girls) aged 4 to 6 years. The children were assigned to subgroups according to gender (boys andgirls) and dental caries (CC û caries cavities; CF û caries free). Dentalcaries was evaluated using the WHO criteria and kappa=0.87. The CC group was defined by the presence of at least three surfaces requiring restoration while the CF group was characterized by the absence of clinically detectable caries (ceo-s=0). The following salivary parameters were evaluated: salivary flow, total protein concentration andperoxidase enzymatic activity. The results were compared by theStudentÆs t-test, ANOVA and TukeyÆs multiple-comparison test (p≤0.05).Results: Children with dental caries presented a 33% reduction of salivary flow compared to the caries-free children (p≤0.05). Among the children with dental caries, the girls had a greater caries index than the boys (98%, p≤0.05). The girls presented more accentuated salivary parameters than boys, with greater total protein concentration, lower salivary flow and lower peroxidase activity (p≤0.05).Conclusion: This study suggests that gender might influence the development of dental caries and the salivary parameters in children...
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child , Dental Caries/prevention & control , Peroxidase , Saliva/metabolism , Analysis of Variance , Statistics, Nonparametric , Salivary Glands, Minor , Salivary Proteins and PeptidesABSTRACT
Alterations in salivary parameters may increase the caries risk in diabetic children, but, contradictory data on this issue have been reported. The aims of this study were to compare salivary parameters (flow rate, pH and calcium concentration) between healthy and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) individuals. The sample consisted of 7- to 18-year-old individuals divided into two groups: 30 subjects with T1DM (group A) and 30 healthy control subjects (group B). Fasting glucose levels were determined. Unstimulated and stimulated saliva was collected. The pH of unstimulated saliva was measured with paper strips and an electrode. Calcium concentrations in stimulated saliva were determined with a selective electrode. Group A individuals had inadequate blood glucose control (HbA1C >9%), with means ± SD unstimulated salivary flow rate of 0.15 ± 0.1 mL/min compared to 0.36 ± 0.2 mL/min for group B (P < 0.01). Stimulated salivary flow rate was similar by both groups and above 2.0 mL/min. Saliva pH was 6.0 ± 0.8 for group A and significantly different from 7.0 ± 0.6 for group B (P < 0.01). Salivary calcium was 14.7 ± 8.1 mg/L for group A and significantly higher than 9.9 ± 6.4 mg/L for group B (P < 0.01). Except for elevated calcium concentrations in saliva, salivary parameters favoring caries such as low saliva pH and unstimulated salivary flow rate were observed in T1DM individuals.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Calcium/analysis , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/physiopathology , Saliva/chemistry , Salivation/physiology , Case-Control Studies , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Secretory Rate , SalivaABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether drooling in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is due to hypersalivation or cognitive dysfunction or disability. METHOD: The subjects were 24 TBI patients with drooling and 17 TBI patients without drooling and 20 unaffected healthy volunteers who had no known physical or mental disabilities. All participants had no known history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, thyroid dysfunction or chronic alcoholism. And, we excluded the subjects who take the anticholinergics, beta-agonist or steroid. Salivary pH and flow rate were compared between the TBI groups and the control group. We also measured Korean mini-mental state examination (K-MMSE) and disability rating scale (DRS) and compared mean values between TBI groups. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in the mean salivary pH and flow rate between the tested groups. The drooling severity and frequency showed no correlation with salivary flow rate in all groups. The drooling severity and frequency showed significant correlations with K-MMSE, but not with DRS in TBI groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggested that the cause of drooling in patients with TBI may not be the hypersalivation and functional disability, but cognitive dysfunction.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Alcoholism , Brain Injuries , Cholinergic Antagonists , Cognition , Diabetes Mellitus , Healthy Volunteers , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Hypertension , Sialorrhea , Thyroid GlandABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to determine the parotid gland tolerance dose levels following intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for treating patients who suffered with head and neck cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2003 through June 2004, 34 head and neck patients with 6 months of follow-up were evaluated for xerostomia after being treated by IMRT. Their median age was 59 years (range: 29~78). Xerostomia was assessed using a 4-question xerostomia questionnaire score (XQS) and a test for the salivary flow rates (unstimulated and stimulated: USFR and SSFR, respectively). The patients were also given a validated LENT SOMA scale (LSS) questionnaire. Evaluations were performed before IMRT and at 1, 3 and 6 months after IMRT. RESULTS: All 34 patients showed significant changes in the XQS, LSS and Salivary Flow rates (USFR and SSFR) after IMRT. No significant changes in the XQS or LSS were noted in 12 patients who received a total parotid mean dose of 3,100 cGy, significant increases in the XQS and LSS were observed. The USFR and SSFR from the parotid glands in 7 patients who received 2,750 cGy were significantly lower than the baseline values at all times after IMRT. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the total parotid mean dose should be limited to < or =2,750 cGy to preserve the USFR and SSFR and so improve the subsequent quality of life.
Subject(s)
Humans , Carisoprodol , Follow-Up Studies , Head and Neck Neoplasms , Head , Neck , Parotid Gland , Quality of Life , Xerostomia , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Resumen Introducción. El objetivo de este reporte es presentar las asociaciones iniciales de los factores de riesgo inmutable (género y edad) y los factores de riesgo biológico en la línea basal de un modelo diagnóstico de predicción de riesgo a caries. Material y métodos. Se registró en 110 niños entre 6 y 7 años que asisten a 2 escuelas públicas de la Ciudad de México, los siguientes indicadores: clínicos o dentales (morfología, índices de caries y lesiones activas); salivales (flujo salival estimulado y prueba de Snyder); y bacteriológicos (cuentas de Lactobacillus y Streptococcus mutans en saliva y placa dentobacteriana). Resultados. La experiencia de caries se asoció con los siguientes indicadores: morfología, prueba de Snyder y 3 de los indicadores bacteriológicos (ANOVA). Los puntos de corte de riesgo más altos en esta muestra fueron: conteo de S. mutans en saliva (0.96), prueba de Snyder (0.61) y experiencia de caries (0.58). Se usaron 3 modelos de ANOVA con y sin ponderación de los factores de riesgo inmutables, identificando que los indicadores: morfología, lesiones de caries activa y conteo de Lactobacillus salivales son los factores que se asocian de manera significativa con la experiencia de caries en los 3 modelos. Conclusión. El modelo que mejor explica la caries es el que pondera el género R² 62%.
Introduction. The objective of this report is to present the initial associations between age and gender and the biological risk factors at the baseline of a diagnostic model to predict the risk for caries. Material and methods. The following indicators were registered in 110 elementary school children between 6-7 years of age, who attended to 2 public schools in Mexico City: dental (morphology, caries indexes and active caries lesions); salivary (stimulated flow rate and Snyder test); and bacteriological (Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus counts in plaque and saliva). Results. Caries experience was associated with dental morphology, Snyder test and with 3 of the bacterial indicators (ANOVA). When the biological risk factors were analyzed by the cut off point for risk, the following variables were identified: salivary S. mutans counts (0.96), Snyder test (0.61) and history of caries (0.58) as highest. Three models of ANOVA were used with/without weighted immutable risk factors, identifying that the indicators: morphology, active lesions and salivary Lactobacillus counts as the factors significantly associated with the caries experience in the 3 models. Conclusion. The model that best explains the risk for caries is the 1 that weighted for gender R² 62%.
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PURPOSE: This study was done to evaluate xerostomia following intensity modulated radiotherapy for patients with head and neck cancer, and to analyze the correlation between the dosimetric parameters and xerostomia parameters. MATERIALS AND MEHTODS: From February till October 2003, 13 patients with 3 months of follow-up were evaluated for xerostomia after being treated for head and neck cancer with IMRT. Their median age was 57 years (range: 43~77). Xerostomia were assessed with a 4-question xerostomia questionnaire score (XQS) and a test for salivary flow rates (unstimulated and stimulated). The patients were also given a validated LENT SOMA scale (LSC) questionnaire. The evaluations were completed before radiation therapy (pre-RT) and at 1 and, 3 months after radiation therapy (RT). We evaluated xerostomia at pre-RT, 1 and, 3 months after RT. The association between the xerostomia parameters (XQS and LSC) and salivary flow rates (unstimulated and stimulated: USFR and SSFR) was assessed at 1 and 3 months after RT. RESULTS: All 13 patients showed no significant changes in XQS, LSC and Salivary Flow rates. As a result, we couldn`t find out about xerostomia development. Based on the total mean parotid dose, 3,500 cGy, we divided these patients into two groups. The 8 patients ( or =3,500 cGy), there was a significant increase in USFR and, SSFR at 3 months after RT, and for the XQS and, LSC at 1 and 3 months after RT. The correlation between XQS and, LSC, and USFR and, SSFR in all patients (13) was significant at 3 months after RT. The correlation had a tendency to the decrease for USFR and, SSFR in proportion to the increase of XQS and, LSC. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, IMRT seem to be an effective treatment to significantly decrease the xerostomia. XQS and, LSC seem to be a effective tool for predicting the xerostomia. A total parotid gland mean dose of <3,500 cGy should be a planning goal if substantial sparing of the gland function is desired. Furthermore, patients should be enrolled in a study to define a more accurate threshold dose for the parotid gland.