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Nordgarden H, Storhaug K et al. Eur J Oral Sci 2003; 111: 371–376

Developmental defects in ectodermal dysplasias (EDs) affect at least 2 of: hair, teeth, nails and sweat glands. Since salivary glands are of ectodermal origin, they might also have defects. In this study, 39 ED subjects (median age 12 yrs; 24 male) were compared with an age and gender matched healthy control group.

Median submandibular flow rate was 39% lower in the ED group (P = 0.003), but the difference in parotid flow did not reach significance. Median concentration of proline-rich proteins were 36% higher in the ED group, and this affected products identified in respect of each of 2 genetic loci.

The authors relate the lower submandibular flow rate to 3 cases of candidal infection found in the ED patients, but report that little caries was identified. They suggest that sialometry is indicated for ED patients who have excessive mucosal dryness.