A pilot study of a simple screening technique for estimation of salivary flow

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to develop a simple screening technique for estimation of salivary flow and to test the usefulness of the method for determining decreased salivary flow.

Study design: A novel assay system comprising 3 spots containing 30 microg starch and 49.6 microg potassium iodide per spot on filter paper and a coloring reagent, based on the color reaction of iodine-starch and theory of paper chromatography, was designed. We investigated the relationship between resting whole salivary rates and the number of colored spots on the filter produced by 41 hospitalized subjects.

Results: A significant negative correlation was observed between the number of colored spots and the resting salivary flow rate (n = 41; r = -0.803; P < .01). For all complaints of decreased salivary flow (n = 9) having cutoff values <100 microL/min for the salivary flow rate, 3 colored spots appeared on the paper, whereas for healthy subjects there was < or =1 colored spot.

Conclusion: This novel assay system might be effective for estimation of salivary flow not only in healthy but also in bedridden and disabled elderly people.