Abstract
The saliva comprises health benefits and its output, composition and flow rate are helpful in understanding the clinical disorders. In the present study, the salivary flow rate (SFR) and electrolyte estimation in unstimulated saliva (USS) and stimulated saliva (SS) were carried out in young male Saudis (n: 124) (Makkah, KSA) showing presence of oral dryness (ODP; n:48; 38.71 %) and absence of oral dryness (ODA; n:76; 61.29 %). The results showed significant variations for SFR in USS (p= 0.0187) and SS (p=0.0462). The salivary sodium, potassium and calcium were determined. However, except calcium levels both in USS (p=0.0155) and SS (p=0.0049), no any significant change in other electrolytes could be found. In view of the significant alterations in SFR and salivary calcium levels in USS and SS in ODP and ODA, it is suggested to the clinicians to pay much attention on the diagnostic value of salivary flow rate and composition.
