Changes in the quantity and composition of salivary flow and its relation to some parameters of oral health.

Keywords: BMT, salivary flow, oral health          
Changes in the quantity and composition of salivary flow and its relation to some parameters of oral health.
Lopez M, Wietz F, Mazzeo M, Bachmeier, E, Linares J and Finkelberg A
Department of Physiology. School of Dentistry. UNC.
Patients undergoing BMT show manifestations at the level of oral cavity which may be a limiting factor in the continuation of therapy. The present study aims to assess the quantity and composition of salivary flow and its correlation with some oral health index.
METHODS: Saliva samples were collected in 10 patients undergoing BMT from Oncology Service Sanatorio Allende (Córdoba) in stages: initial, pre-conditioning therapy (I); half: 7-10 days after BMT ( M) and final, 30 to 45 days after the discharge of isolation (F).
RESULTS: Although the manifestation of xerostomia in 60% of patients analyzed, no changes in salivary flow were observed. By contrast, salivary composition changed, with elevation of Cl - and Na + that is not reversed at the end of treatment. The only change observed at the level of organic components, was a marked decrease in urea. In relation to oral health index, probing depth and the rate of inflammation and plaque are considerably higher. CONCLUSION: The subjective feeling of dry mouth expressed by the majority of patients did not correlate with hyposalivation. The increase in Cl - and Na + could be related to alterations in ductus, which would change the electrolytic reabsorption. The increase in probing depth and rate of inflammation, which is not reversed at the end of the evaluation stage, increase the risk of periodontal disease in these patients. So, it would be necessary to incorporate the dentist in the oncology teams.