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Abstract
Salivation rates and some salivary constituents were reduced.
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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.
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Salivary gland function in persons with ectodermal dysplasias. Br Dent J 196, 269 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4811035
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4811035