Evaluation of the Saxon test for patients with hyposalivation without Sjögren's syndrome

Abstract

Background: Dry mouth is associated with salivary gland hypofunction, which may result from several conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome (SS), head and neck cancers, and side effects of medications. The Saxon test is a useful diagnostic method for hyposalivation in clinical settings. However, previous reports indicate that the test has mostly been used for patients with SS.

Objective(s): In the present study, we focused on patients with dry mouth who were not diagnosed with SS (patients without SS).

Methods: For patients without SS (n = 302), we examined the factors affecting Saxon test scores using multiple regression analysis. Additionally, we performed a correlation analysis comparing the Saxon test with other diagnostic methods.

Results: In 57.6% patients, the Saxon test score was more than 2.00 g/2 min, which is considered negative for hyposalivation. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the age and sex of patients significantly influenced test scores. The mean Saxon test score was less than 2.00 g/2 min in older patients and women. Moreover, the test showed a significant correlation with other methods used to measure salivary flow.

Conclusion: The Saxon test is useful not only for patients with SS but also for patients without SS.

Keywords: Saxon test; dry mouth; hyposalivation; saliva.