Assessment of xerostomia/ hyposalivation among smokers using Modified Schirmer Test in Saudi Population
Abstract
Author(s): Saeed Arem
The aim of the present study is to assess xerostomia and hypo salivation by Modified Schirmer Test (MST) & Spitting method among smokers and their comparison with the non-smokers of Saudi population & association of xerostomia and hypo salivation. Material and Methods: 200 subjects were divided into two groups of 100 each, group-I comprising of smoking habit history for a period of 10 years and healthy subjects with no habit history in group-II. All the subjects underwent for screening of xerostomia and hyposalivation by spitting method and MST. Results: Statistically significant decrease of salivary flow rate was noticed in smokers when compared to healthy subjects by both the methods. There was excellent correlation between the two estimation methods. Prevalence of Xerostomia in Group-I was 45% & in group-II was 14% and hyposalivation in group-I was 73% and in group-II was 10%. Conclusion: The MST can be used as a reliable, objective, inexpensive, easy-to-perform and well-tolerated test for assessment of hyposalivation.
