The role of new removable complete dentures in stimulated salivary flow and taste perception

Abstract

Purpose:To evaluate the effect of replacement of inadequate complete dentures onsalivary flow and taste perception in geriatric patients.Materials and Methods:Thirty-three patients, 13 males and 20 females, with a meanage of 64.4 years were submitted to stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rateand salivary pH measurements, and sense of taste evaluation. Tests were performed3 months before complete denture substitution and 3 weeks after denture insertion.Results:The mean for unstimulated saliva (USS) was 2.1 ml before and 2.7 ml afterreplacement (p=0.003). The mean volume of stimulated saliva was 6.3 ml beforeand 8.2 ml after replacement (p=0.004). The pH mean of USS was 7.8±0.44before and 8.02±0.41 after replacement (p=0.005). No statistically significantdifference was determined in the sense of taste before and 3 weeks after completedenture replacement.Conclusions:The replacement of inadequate complete dentures increases saliva flow;however, it does not improve taste perception.