Effect of mastication on flow and properties of saliva

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the mastication for meal on the flow rate and property of secreted saliva. Materials and Methods: Forty-six subjects participated this research with informed consent. Stimulated and unstimulated saliva were collected 30 minutes before a meal. Unstimulated saliva was also collected 0, 10, 20, 30, and 60 minutes after a meal. Amount of the collected saliva was measured and flow rate was calculated. The pH and buffering capacity of saliva were evaluated using a commercially available kit. Results: Salivary flow rate, pH and buffering capacity of stimulated saliva were higher than those of unstimulated saliva collected 30 minutes before a meal. The flow rate, pH and buffering capacity of the unstimulated saliva collected just after meal (0 minute) were statistically higher than those 30 minutes before and 20, 30, and 60 minutes after a meal. Conclusion: It was concluded that the stimulation induced by the intake of a meal affected flow rate, pH and buffering capacity of unstimulated saliva up to 10 minutes. (Asian Pac J Dent 2012; 12: 1-5.)