Biotechnological advances in neuro-electro-stimulation for the treatment of hyposalivation and xerostomia

Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2009 Feb 1;14(2):E76-80.

Abstract

Treatment of xerostomia is a common clinical challenge in the oral medicine practice. Although some treatments have been used to improve the symptoms of xerostomia, none is completely satisfactory for the patients who suffer of this alteration. In the last years non-pharmacological treatments based on electro-stimulation for the treatment of xerostomia have been developed. This review is aimed at presenting new developments for the treatment of xerostomia, applying neuro-electro-stimulation by miniaturized intra-oral electro-stimulators. These devices increase salivary secretion and improve symptoms of oral dryness. Their effect is obtained by means of stimulation of the lingual nerve, in whose proximity the electrodes of the apparatus are placed. The objective of this mechanism is both to directly stimulate the salivary glands controlled by that nerve and to enhance the salivary reflex. Clinical studies have been carried out that have demonstrated the wetting effect of the method described in this article.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biotechnology
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy* / instrumentation
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Prostheses and Implants
  • Xerostomia / therapy*