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Abstract

Introduction: Saliva a prime component of oral cavity essential for the good health of the oral cavity and general systemic health. The oral environment dictates the oral function as in communication, eating, clearing the oral cavity, and swallowing. The hydration of the oral cavity is maintained by saliva by its sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous regulation. While the stimulated state is present for only a few hours in relation to masticatory or gustatory stimulation with upregulation of saliva by parasympathetic stimulation, the resting state has the highest impact on teeth, reduces infection, and promotes healing and maintenance of oral mucosa. Aim: The aim of the study was to understand and assess the knowledge about management of hyposalivation in patients among dentists. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The study population comprised undergraduate dental students from all the years (1st year, 2nd year, 3rd year, final year, and interns), staff members and private dental practitioners. A detailed questionnaire containing questions pertaining to the demographic status along with questions related to the knowledge of the participant about the management of hyposalivation in was structured. The questionnaire was distributed to the participants and the answers were registered. The results were obtained after statistical analysis and interpreted. Results: When participants were asked, if they were aware of diagnosing hyposalivation only 131 were aware and only 123 were aware of the medications causing hyposalivation. Only 40 were confident in diagnosing the underlying pathology causing hyposalivation. Only 164 were aware of sialogogues. Only 34 have advised sialogram and only 24 knew to interpret a sialogram. Only 81 knew other alternative methods to induce salivation. Only 174 participants were aware of salivary substitutes. Only 38 were aware of flavored chewing gums to stimulate salivary secretion. Only 136 were aware of saliva stimulating devices. Conclusion: The awareness about hyposalivation management among dentists is rather less and needs to improve.

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	JPR Solutions

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