Effectiveness Of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation On Salivary Flow Rate In Patients With Xerostomia

Abstract

Background: Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a prevalent condition associated with systemic diseases, medications, and head and neck radiotherapy. It adversely affects oral health and quality of life. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has emerged as a potential non-pharmacological approach for stimulating salivary secretion.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of TENS in enhancing salivary flow among patients with xerostomia compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 50 participants (25 xerostomia patients and 25 healthy controls) at a tertiary dental care centre in South India. Xerostomia was confirmed by a mirror-stick test and unstimulated salivary flow ≤0.5 mL/5 min. Saliva was collected at baseline, immediately after TENS, and on the fifth day. TENS was applied bilaterally over the parotid region for 15 minutes at 20–50 Hz. Flow rates were compared using paired and independent t-tests, and repeated measures ANOVA.

Results: Baseline salivary flow was significantly lower in xerostomia patients (0.54 mL/min) than controls (1.21 mL/min). Post-TENS, flow increased to 0.78 mL/min and 1.43 mL/min, respectively (p = 0.001). On day 5, salivary flow remained above baseline in both groups. Relative improvement was greater in xerostomia patients.

onclusion: TENS significantly improved salivary flow in both xerostomia patients and healthy controls, with proportionally greater benefits in xerostomia. It may serve as a safe, non-invasive adjunct for xerostomia management.