Method:
The study sample consisted of 293 participants from Sunchang Longevity Cohort. Hyposalivation was determined by resting salivary flow rate < 0.1 ml/min. Salivary NO metabolites were measured via the Griess reaction. Age, sex, education level, smoking, drinking and frequency of physical activity were analyzed as confounders. Logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate the association. Stratified subgroup analysis by age, sex, exercise, smoking, drinking, obesity, diabetes, sour and salty food was also applied
Result: High level of nitrate was positively associated with hyposalivation (adjusted OR= 2.05, 95% CI: 1.05-4.00). The link was highlighted on elders under 70 years (OR=3.00), non-exercisers (OR=2.48) and obese people (OR=4.17).
Conclusion: Our results showed that NO metabolites play an important role to promote Oral Health due to hyposalivation. Our data suggested that NO metabolite reduces the salivary secretion in acinar cells for hyposalivation.