Changes in resting saliva volume induced by transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the submandibular gland in adult Japanese women

Abstract

Objective

To determine the resting saliva volume following transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the submandibular gland.

Methods

Thirty healthy women aged 20–64 years with no underlying diseases underwent 10 minutes of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (intervention) targeting the submandibular gland. Saliva volume at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 10 min post-intervention were compared in three age groups, and also in two groups by baseline resting saliva volume. Subjective alterations in local and systemic symptoms were also evaluated via a questionnaire.

Results

The results showed no interaction between age and time factors, and no differences in changes in saliva volume according to age group. When the subjects were divided into two groups (low volume group [group L] and above-average volume group [group A]) according to their baseline resting saliva volume, group L showed a significant increase in saliva volume immediately post-intervention and maintained it for 10 min post-intervention. However, group A recorded no change in saliva volume immediately post-intervention, and saliva volume 10 min post-intervention was significantly lower than that immediately post-intervention. The significant difference in saliva volume between the two groups observed at baseline and immediately post-intervention was not observed 10 min post-intervention.

There were no subjective changes in local and systemic symptoms, including discomfort or fatigue, due to transcutaneous electrical stimulation. However, more than 70 % of subjects reported subjective improvement in dry mouth.

Conclusions

These results suggest that 10 min of transcutaneous electrical stimulation targeting the submandibular gland may have different effects depending on the subject's resting saliva volume.