Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Whole Salivary Flow Rate – A Clinical Study

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) over the whole salivary flow rate in normal healthy adults. Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy adults were included in this study with no salivary gland pathology. Saliva before TENS therapy was collected for each patient in a plastic container on each minute one spit basis for about 5 minutes. The tens electrode pads were placed on the skin over the parotid gland on both sides. Post therapy salivary collection was done by the above mentioned procedure. Statistics: Paired ‘t’ test used to compare unstimulated and stimulated whole salivary flow rate. P value is 0.03 and hence results are statistically significant. Results: Out of 20 patients, 19 patients have been observed with increased salivary flow post TENS therapy. Conclusion: TENS acts as a valuable device in increasing salivary flow rate and can be used in all cases of xerostomia and hyposalivation to increase the salivary flow.