Comparison of submandibular/sublingual salivary flow rates in children and adolescents.

PURPOSE

This study compared age related changes in submandibular/sublingual salivary flow rates in children and adolescents.

METHODS

Twenty-nine children between the ages of 5 and 14 years were evaluated. A group of adults ages 18 to 39 years were also evaluated. No subject was taking medication which could have affected salivary flow rate. Salivary flow was stimulated using a single application of 3% citric acid during a 5-minute test period. A group of 12 children ages 5 to 9 years was compared to a group of 16 adolescents ages 10 to 14 years.

RESULTS

Analysis using a Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test with a .05 level used for significance showed that the salivary flow rates of the 2 groups were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant difference was found between the stimulated submandibular salivary flow rates of children ages 5 to 9 years and 10 to 14 years.