Subject(s)
Adrenergic beta-Antagonists/adverse effects , Benzothiadiazines , Immunoglobulin A, Secretory/analysis , Parotid Gland/drug effects , Saliva/chemistry , Sodium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors/adverse effects , Aged , Black People , Diuretics , Electrolytes/analysis , Female , Humans , Hypertension/drug therapy , Male , Regression Analysis , Salivary Proteins and Peptides/analysisABSTRACT
Salivary flow rate can be a highly significant diagnostic tool in the dental treatment planning of high risk groups. Those patients at risk for xerostomia (i.e. patients taking antidepressant and antihypertension medication, or having irradiation and pathology of the parotid) should be tested with the Lashley cup to determine if acceptable flow rates are being maintained or compromised. Adequate flow rates for dentulous and edentulous patients are significantly different. Group A had a mean flow rate of 0.75 ml/min while Group B (edentulous) had a mean flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. Using an independent t-test, there was a significant difference at the p less than 0.05 level. Both hard and soft tissue are ravished by xerostomia. In dentulous patients, caries rates soar and make the prognosis for fixed prosthetics poor. In edentulous patients there is an ineffective film thickness resulting in high abrasion (sore spots) and decreased retention of removable prosthesis. Masticatory and gustatory stimulants may help alleviate these symptoms. However, the measurement of salivary flow is an invaluable diagnostic tool in determining the prognosis of alternative treatment plans. Because the elderly are more likely to be taking medications which result in xerostomia, this diagnostic tool should be used on a routine basis with geriatric patients.
Subject(s)
Dental Care for Aged , Saliva/metabolism , Xerostomia/diagnosis , Aged , Humans , Patient Care Planning , Risk Factors , Xerostomia/physiopathologyABSTRACT
Predictions showing age distribution in our population of elderly citizens in our society within the next 30 to 40 years. One of the most destructive oral afflictions of the elderly is root decay. A study was performed to ascertain the prevalence of root caries among inner city geriatric patients taking anti-hypertension medications. One hundred randomly selected patients were studied. Fifty patients taking the anti-hypertension medications for at least two years were compared to a control group of 50 healthy patients of nearly the same age. With oral hygiene factors being equal, the group taking anti-hypertension medications demonstrated a higher prevalence of root decay at the p less than 0.01 level.
