To evaluate and compare the effect of mouthwashes on change in salivary volume in patients taking Polypharmacy

Saliva is a most valuable oral fluid that is often taken for granted. It is critical to the preservation and maintenance of oral health, yet it receives little attention until quantity or quality is diminished. The quantity of the saliva affects its ability to carry out the functions in the oral cavity including retention of the denture. Usually mouthwashes are an antiseptic solutions intended to reduce the microbial load in the oral cavity, although mouthwashes might be given for other reasons such as for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory or anti-fungal action. Most of the denture wearers are elderly patients who are on polypharmacy which can affect quality and quantity of saliva. Aim of the study: To evaluate and compare the salivary volume in patients taking Polypharmacy before and after using Herbal and commercially available mouthwash. Methodology: For the study a total of 10 patients taking Polypharmacy were selected based on inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups. In one group Saliva was collected by using a test tube with measurements and the final volume was noted before and after using herbal mouthwash. In another group Saliva was collected by using a test tube with measurements and the final volume was noted before and after using commercially available mouthwash. Results: Mouthwashes may disturb the healthy balance of the biofilm moisturizing the oral mucosa. Statistically significant reduction in salivary volume was found in using commercially available mouthwash (p>.025) than herbal mouthwash (p>.038). Thus this paper discusses about a study to evaluate and compare the salivary volume in patients taking polypharmacy before and after using herbal and commercially available mouthwash.