Impact of cardiovascular diseases and medication therapy on salivary flow rate and pH of saliva

A research study was conducted to investigate the influence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and medication therapy on salivary flow rate and pH. The study included patients with confirmed cardiovascular diseases and a group of conditionally healthy individuals. Salivary flow rate, pH, and Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) were measured.

Objective. To evaluate the effect of CVD and medication therapy on salivary flow rate and pH.  

 Materials and methods. A total of 219 patients with CVD and 100 individuals in the control group were examined. Clinical and dental parameters, salivary characteristics, and medication regimens were analyzed. Data from clinical examinations, laboratory measurements, and questionnaire responses were analyzed using StatTech v 4.6.1 (developed by Stattech LLC, Russia).

Results. Patients with CVD demonstrated  a reduction in salivary flow rate (0.29 vs 0.42 mL/min) and pH (6.60 vs 7.00) compared to the control group. The most pronounced changes were observed in patients receiving a combination of antiplatelet and antihypertensive agents, as well as in those taking antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs concurrently.

Conclusions. CVD and polypharmacy are associated with decreased salivary secretion and a shift of pH toward acidity, which may contribute to the development of dental complications and require preventive monitoring by a dentist.

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