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Association between oral health status and salivary flow rate among individuals with and without burning mouth: A case control study

Background: Individuals with burning mouth suffer from a variety of difficulties in their day-to-day life. Studies related to the role of saliva in burning mouth complaining individuals and their effect on oral health conditions are scarce. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine an association of the salivary flow rate and oral health among individuals with and without burning mouth. Materials and Methods: A case–control study was conducted among 200 individuals aged 18–75 years with and without burning mouth in Bangalore city. Demographic profile, medical, dental and personal history were recorded. Unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rate and oral health status were assessed. Chi-square test, unpaired t-test, Spearman's correlation, and binary logistic regression were applied.P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Majority of individuals who complained of burning mouth were females aged 45–64 years. The most common systemic condition and lesion were anemia and oral submucous fibrosis. A statistically significant very weak negative correlation was present between unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rate and Decayed, Missing and Filled teeth. Individuals with reduced salivary flow rate had 3–5 times higher odds of having burning mouth (P < 0.001). Conclusions: There is an association between salivary flow and caries experience among individuals with a burning mouth. Hence, proper diagnosis and appropriate management of these individuals must be done to reduce the difficulties faced by them.