Dry Mouth, Xerostomia
Conditions
Brief summary
Saliva is a complex fluid with essential functions in the oral cavity, such as lubricating tissues, protecting against microorganisms, and facilitating processes like chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Xerostomia, defined as the subjective sensation of dry mouth, is commonly associated with reduced salivary flow, which can lead to intraoral and extraoral complications, including dental caries, periodontal disease, infections, and functional difficulties like chewing, speaking, and swallowing. Current treatments for xerostomia, such as saliva substitutes and lubricants, provide only temporary relief and do not address the underlying cause. Pharmacological agents like pilocarpine have shown effectiveness in stimulating salivary flow; however, their use is limited by adverse side effects such as excessive sweating and gastrointestinal discomfort. In this context, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a physical therapy traditionally used for pain relief, has shown significant potential in the therapeutic stimulation of salivary glands. TENS is a non-invasive approach that works by stimulating the auriculotemporal nerve, which innervates the parotid glands, promoting an increase in salivary flow. This study highlights the therapeutic value of TENS as an effective and safe solution for patients with xerostomia. The findings indicate that TENS therapy can increase salivary flow, alleviate symptoms of dry mouth, and significantly improve patients' quality of life, all without the risks and adverse effects associated with pharmacological treatments.
Detailed description
Current treatments for xerostomia, such as saliva substitutes and lubricants, provide only temporary relief and do not address the underlying cause. Pharmacological agents like pilocarpine have shown effectiveness in stimulating salivary flow; however, their use is limited by adverse side effects such as excessive sweating and gastrointestinal discomfort. In this context, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a physical therapy traditionally used for pain relief, has shown significant potential in the therapeutic stimulation of salivary glands. TENS is a non-invasive approach that works by stimulating the auriculotemporal nerve, which innervates the parotid glands, promoting an increase in salivary flow. This study highlights the therapeutic value of TENS as an effective and safe solution for patients with xerostomia. The findings indicate that TENS therapy can increase salivary flow, alleviate symptoms of dry mouth, and significantly improve patients' quality of life,
Interventions
DEVICEGroup experimental
Type: Inactive TENS (placebo) Frequency: 1 session Session duration: 15 minutes Application area: Skin over the bilateral parotid glan
Sponsors
Universidad de Murcia
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Intervention model description
Experimental group Control group
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Present continuous symptoms of dry mouth for more than three months. Ability to attend the necessary visits to carry out the research.
Exclusion criteria
Patient subjected to total or partial resection of major salivary glands. Patient with decompensated systemic disease. Patient who has undergone radiotherapy. Patient with motor impairments or issues preventing them from following the operator's instructions. Patient with vertigo, persistent headaches, hearing problems, neuralgias, and/or facial paralysis
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Modified Schirmer tear strip Test measured intensity of salivary flow | Baseline (before the start of each session) and immediately after each session, for a total of 3 sessions over 3 weeks (6 measurements in total: Days 0, 7, and 14). | Test measured intensity of salivary flow |
| Test Thomson xerostomy | Baseline (day 0 prior to the first session) and at 3 weeks (end of treatment) | Xerostomia Inventory. the higher the outcome, quality of life decreases |
| Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for xerostomia severity | Baseline (day 0 before the start of each session) and immediately after each session, for a total of 3 sessions over 3 weeks (6 measurements in total: Days 0, 7, and 14). | Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for xerostomia severity (0 cm: no xerostomía , 10cm : very severe xerostomia ). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| OHIP-14 questionnaire | Baseline (day 0) and at 3 weeks (end of treatment) | Quality of oral life. minimun 0 maximum 56 points. As it gets higher, quality of life decreases |
Countries
Spain
Outcome results
None listed