PMID: 22338966Feb 22, 2012Paper

On minor salivary gland secretion in children, adolescents and adults

Swedish Dental Journal. Supplement
Mikael Sonesson

Abstract

The minor salivary glands are of great importance for maintenance of homeostasis in the oral cavity. These glands continuously secrete substances which lubricate and protect the oral tissues, contributing to comfort and health. The minor salivary glands contribute approximately 7-8 per cent of the total volume of saliva. Flow rate and composition seem to vary according to anatomical location. Current knowledge about the minor salivary glands is derived primarily from studies on adults. The overall aim of this thesis was to study age-related changes in minor gland saliva, from childhood to adulthood. By increasing the knowledge of minor gland secretion, we hopefully better understand how different mucosal locations are lubricated and protected in individuals of different ages and various health statuses. The project comprises four papers. In Paper I, the flow rate and numerical density of the labial and buccal minor glands of pre-school children, adolescents and adults were investigated. Saliva was collected on filter paper discs and the flow rate was measured by the Periotron-method. The numerical density was assessed by PAS-staining. The flow rate of the buccal glands was significantly lower in children than in adults and the ...Continue Reading

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