TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION  METHOD IN PATIENTS WITH XEROSTOMIA

Sonja Rogoleva Gjurovski; Sanja Naskova; Maja Kukuseva Paneva; Verica Toneva Stojmenova; Ljupka Arsovski; Sandra Atanasova

Sonja Rogoleva Gjurovski Faculty of Medical Science, Goce Delcev University, Stip, North Macedonia
Sanja Naskova Faculty of Medical Science, Goce Delcev University, Stip, North Macedonia
Maja Kukuseva Paneva Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Goce Delcev University, Stip, North Macedonia
Verica Toneva Stojmenova Faculty of Medical Science, Goce Delcev University, Stip, North Macedonia
Ljupka Arsovski Faculty of Medical Science, Goce Delcev University, Stip, North Macedonia
Sandra Atanasova Faculty of Medical Science, Goce Delcev University, Stip, North Macedonia

Keywords: Salivary glands, xerostomia, saliva flow rate, dry mouth therapy, TENS, hyposalivation treatment

Abstract

Patients with salivary gland hypofunction typically complain of dry mouth, difficulty chewing, swallowing and/or
speaking; they hardly tolerate spicy, acidic, and crunchy food and often times report taste changes or difficulty
wearing dentures. It can also increase the chance of developing dental decay, demineralization of teeth, tooth
sensitivity, and oral infections. The goals of treating xerostomia include identifying the possible causes, relieving
discomfort, and preventing complications. In this study, we investigate the most effective frequency to increase
salivary secretion, without side effects on the skin and orofacial structures. Transcutaneous electric nerve
stimulation (TENS) is a simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive modality that uses electric current to activate
nerves for therapeutic reasons. It is a non-pharmacological method of pain management for which it is widely
used. Application of electric impulses to one or more of the three components of the salivary reflex arch should
theoretically improve salivary secretion and lessen the various long-term effects of hyposalivation. For this study
were analyzed totally 23 published studies in the last 10 years. The study is made on narrative review of published
articles that were go into the related subject, evaluation of the impact of a transcutaneous electrical nerve
stimulation (TENS) system on patients' dry mouth and salivary flow rates. The TENS unit was effective in
increasing the quantity of stimulated saliva and was also found to be more effective in increasing saliva in diabetic
individuals. From the results of the study, it can be concluded that TENS was effective in increasing the salivary
flow rate in hyposalivatory patients with residual saliva.

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