Relationships of beta-blockers and anxiolytics intake and salivary secretion, masticatory performance and taste perception.
OBJECTIVE
Assess the influence of salivary flow on physiological parameters of the stomatognathic system in patients who take beta-blockers or anxiolytic medications.


METHODS
Sixty patients were divided into three groups based on the following criteria: Group 1, control (n=20; no use of medication); Group 2, use of antihypertensive beta-blockers (n=20); and Group 3, use of benzodiazepine anxiolytics (n=20). Salivary flow was assessed by determining stimulated and non-stimulated flow/minute. The quantification of the sense of taste was determined on a visual analogue scale (VAS) using solutions of 0.9% NaCl (salty), 50% sucrose (sweet), 20% unsweetened coffee (bitter) and 4.2% vinegar (sour). The DMFT index (number of decayed/missing/filled teeth) was determined by a calibrated examination, following the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO). Masticatory performance was assessed with an Optosil comminution test and Rosim-Ramler equation.


RESULTS
The results did not reveal a significant correlation between salivary flow and masticatory performance (p>0.05). We observed significant decreased non-stimulated salivary flow for Group 2 (p=0.05) when compared to controls. However, taste perception was not influenced by salivary secretion amongst groups. Furthermore, we observed a significant negative correlation between non-stimulated salivary flow and DMFT in Group 1 (p=0.02; r=-0.52).


CONCLUSIONS
Patients under beta-blockers therapy presented reduced non-stimulated salivary flow when compared to controls, without influencing the sense of taste or masticatory performance. The use of anxiolytics did not affect salivary flow and taste perception in the studied sample.
de Matos
Leandro Faria
LF
Clinical Dentistry Department, Vale do Rio Verde University - UNINCOR, Três Corações, MG, Brazil.
Pereira
Stela Márcia
SM
Kaminagakura
Estela
E
Marques
Leandro Silva
LS
Pereira
Cássio Vicente
CV
van der Bilt
Andries
A
Pereira
Luciano José
LJ
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004245:DMF Index; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008409:Mastication / Q000187:drug effects*; D012472:Salivation / Q000187:drug effects*; D055697:Taste Perception / Q000187:drug effects*
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines