The use of BokaFlo™ instrument to measure salivary flow

Abstract

Background Dry mouth currently affects roughly 20% of the population and is a condition characterized by chronic hyposalivation and/or subjective reports of xerostomia. Low saliva flow can be indicative of other undiagnosed diseases, such as primary Sjogren’s syndrome, and may contribute to difficulty chewing, increased caries susceptibility and infection. The passive drool test (PDT) is the primary method used to evaluate patients for hyposalivation but it is time-consuming and inconvenient. New methodology is needed to facilitate increased testing for hyposalivation in the dental clinic. The aim of this study was to evaluate an alternative method to measure salivary flow in dental offices. Methods In this study, we tested a new biomedical device, the BokaFlo™, to measure salivary flow in subjects in comparison to the current PDT standard. Participants completed an oral health questionnaire and saliva flow was evaluated by the PDT and the BokaFlo™ system. Results Saliva flow as measured by the BokaFlo™ positively correlated with the saliva flow measured by the PDT methodology (r = 0.22, p < 0.05). The device predicted low saliva flow in subjects with a sensitivity of 0.76 and specificity of 0.84 for subjects with hyposalivation, defined as a saliva flow rate of ≤ 0.1 ml/min. A significant negative correlation between the total oral health questionnaire score and the likelihood of participant exhibiting low salivary flow was observed (r = − 0.31, p < 0.006). Conclusion The BokaFlo™ was effectively able to measure low saliva flow correlating with the PDT methodology and may provide more efficient testing of saliva flow in the dental office.

Amyloid‐Mediated Remineralization in Pit and Fissure for Caries Preventive Therapy

“…There are significant differences in the saliva flow, ion concentration, and pH value (rats 4.2 ± 0.1, humans 7.2 ± 0.2) between rats and humans. [55][56][57] Therefore, this fact might indicate that lyso-PEG can effectively induce the formation of a remineralization layer under sufficient saliva flow, an adequate ion supply, and suitable pH conditions. [29,58]…”

Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment of Radiotherapy-Induced Xerostomia: A Review

“…MRI evaluates the degree of SG injury based on the decrease in volume and increase in signal intensity of T2-weighted images [42]. e MRI detection of SGs is highly sensitive, expensive, and Draining method Allow the saliva to flow naturally down the lower lip and collect it in a graduated container [21] No effect of slow rate [25] More representative of unstimulated secretion [25] Good repeatability [11] Easy use [11] Time-consuming [26] Unattractive [26] Remaining saliva in oral [27] Need good collaboration [25] Spitting Method Allow the saliva to cumulate at the bottom of the mouth for a while and then spit into a graduated container [21] Less evaporation of saliva [25] Good repeatability [11] Easy use [11] Time-consuming [26] Unattractive [26] Incomplete spit [27] Stimulatory effects [25] Need good collaboration [25] Swab method Allow the saliva to be absorbed with pre-weighed cotton rolls and reweighed at the end of the collection period [21] Low cost [25] Easy use [25] Suitable for less-or non-collaborative patients [25] Risk of swallowing [25] Possible stimulatory effect [28] Suction method Allow the saliva to be sucked into a graduated container by a negative pressure suction device in the closed or open suction method [21] High reliability [29] Time-saving [29] No strict demands for Collaboration [29] Require skilled personnel [29] Possible stimulatory effect [28] BokaFlo ™ Place BokaFlo ™ disposable device under the subject's tongue to collect saliva, then the device was removed and placed on the BokaFlo ™ instrument for measurement [30] High sensitivity [30] High specificity [30] C...…”