Retrospective investigation on management of salivary hypofunction concerning with serum zinc content.
Monthly measurement of the resting saliva was performed in addition to psychosomatic therapy for patients visiting our clinic who were suspected of having decreased activity of carbonic anhydrase. According to the serum zinc content, patients were divided into a low serum zinc group (n=22) and a mid-high serum zinc group (n=12). Patients in the former group were advised to improve mastication efficiency and to consume more food with a high zinc content. After 6.6+/-5.6 months, serum zinc increased from 75.6 to 90.9 mug/dl in the former group, whereas no change was found in the latter group, though symptoms improved in the both groups. Improvement in salivary secretion was noticed in DeltapH(I) in the former group, and a decrease in K(+) concentration was found in the latter group.
Department of Oral Physiology, School of Dentistry, Iwate Medical University, Chuo-dori 1-3-27, 020-8505, Morioka, Japan
Tadasi P.
TP
Sato
Kazuharu
K
Mikami