Explore the Comprehensive Research on Saliva Flow Reduction in Older Adults

PUBMED Format: Abstract

Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc. 2015 Oct;63(10):2142-51. doi: 10.1111/jgs.13652. Epub 2015 Oct 12.
Title: Meta-Analysis of Salivary Flow Rates in Young and Older Adults.
Authors: Affoo RH1, Foley N2, Garrick R3, Siqueira WL4, Martin RE1,5,6,7.
Author Information: Detailed Contributor Profiles Available
Abstract:

OBJECTIVES:

The primary aim of this research is to investigate whether salivary flow rates significantly decrease with aging. Understanding this relationship is crucial for developing strategies to manage oral health in aging populations.

DESIGN:

This study employed a meta-analysis approach, systematically reviewing existing literature to evaluate the impact of age on salivary flow rates.

SETTING:

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to collate relevant data from various studies in the field of geriatric health and oral hygiene.

PARTICIPANTS:

The participants included individuals aged 18 and older, who were reported to be free from major systemic diseases. This selection criterion ensured that the findings were attributed primarily to age-related changes rather than health conditions.

MEASUREMENTS:

Relevant studies were identified through rigorous literature searches across multiple databases, covering data from their inception until June 2013. Studies were included if saliva had been collected on at least one occasion from subjects aged 18 and older, and if the data were presented in a way that allowed for meaningful comparisons between younger and older participants. Differences in salivary flow rates between these age groups were calculated for each salivary source and condition, reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs), standard errors (SEs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The results were pooled using a random effects model. Additionally, a separate analysis was conducted to examine the effects of medication usage on salivary flow.

RESULTS:

A total of forty-seven studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that whole salivary flow (SMD = 0.551, SE = 0.056, 95% CI = 0.423-0.678, P < .001) and submandibular and sublingual (SMSL) flow rates (SMD = 0.582, SE = 0.123, 95% CI = 0.341-0.823, P < .001) were significantly reduced in older participants under both unstimulated and stimulated conditions. In contrast, flow rates from the parotid and minor glands did not show significant reductions with increasing age. Furthermore, unstimulated and stimulated SMSL and unstimulated whole salivary flow rates were markedly lower in older adults, irrespective of their medication use.

CONCLUSION:

The findings of this study indicate that the aging process is associated with a specific reduction in salivary flow, which cannot be solely attributed to medication effects. These results hold significant clinical implications for maintaining optimal oral health among older adults, suggesting a need for targeted interventions to manage dry mouth and its associated risks.