Context: Xerostomia and hyposalivation are associated with diabetes. Research is sparse regarding electrostimulation as a mainstream therapy for salivary gland hypofunction.
Objective: To clinically evaluate the effectiveness of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy in stimulating whole salivary flow among patients with xerostomia and hyposalivation caused by diabetes mellitus.
Design: Forty patients between age 30 to 75 years with diabetes mellitus categorized as controlled or uncontrolled who had subjective symptoms of xerostomia and an objective sign of hyposalivation were included in a prospective study.
Main outcome measures: Unstimulated saliva through the "low forced spitting" method and stimulated saliva collection using TENS were assessed and compared. Longer-term effects of TENS application were evaluated by recalling the patient 24 hours later.
Results: A statistically significant increase in stimulated whole saliva after TENS application in continuous mode (p < 0.001) was demonstrated compared with unstimulated saliva, especially in xerostomic patients with diabetes. Burst mode inferred a statistically significant decrease in salivary flow (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: In patients with diabetes with xerostomia and hyposalivation, TENS was highly effective in stimulating whole salivary flow.