Perception of altered salivary flow in patients on antipsychotics
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The perception and self reported management of altered salivary flow in patients taking antipsychotic medication - a pilot study. 13/LO/0762
IRAS ID
126610
Contact name
Blanaid Daly
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Research summary
Reduced saliva flow is a known side effect of antipsychotic medications and is a particular concern in dentistry because it increases the risk of developing dental decay. It does so by decreasing the capacity of the oral cavity to deal with acidic challenge from sugary foods and drinks. The development of oral behaviours to manage perception of dry mouth such as drinking high sugar carbonated drinks or sucking sugar-containing sweets increases acidic challenge leading to risk of dental decay.
Newer antipsychotic medications have been reported to cause excess saliva production, which can cause irritated skin and lead to skin infections around the mouth. It may also reduce the retention of dentures. Sugar-containing chewing gum has been used to manage excess saliva.
This research will report upon the perception of altered saliva flow in patients taking antipsychotic medications and the self reported methods used to manage symptoms if present. A structured interview will be undertaken recording self rating of general and oral health, oral health behaviours, current medication, perception of dry mouth or excess saliva, and management of these symptoms by the participants. In addition, an unstimulated saliva sample will be taken, by requesting the participant to spit into a saliva collection kit for 15 minutes. The salivary flow rate will be recorded and the sample then discarded into a sharpsafe bin in the presence of the participant. There will be descriptive reporting of the data including demographics, medications, oral health behaviours, prevalence and severity of dry mouth or excess saliva, impact on oral health, management of symptoms, and unstimulated flow rate of saliva per minute.
Associations will be explored between flow rate of saliva and perception of dry mouth or excess saliva,and management of these symptoms.REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/0762
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jul 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion