Influence of gender and combined estrogen–progestin oral contraceptive on parotid saliva flow rate, pH, and electrolytes concentration

Abstract

Objectives

Endocrinal variations within an individual impact the electrolyte composition, pH, and flow‐rate (FR) of saliva. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gender‐specific differences and the effect of combined estrogen‐progestin oral contraceptives (COCs) on FR, pH, and electrolyte concentrations in the parotid saliva (PS) of a group of healthy adults.

Material and Methods

Stimulated PS was collected from 20 healthy adults using a Lashley cup; 11 males, 8 females, and 1 female undertaking combined contraceptive therapy (levonorgestrel/ethinyloestradiol 0.1 mg + 0.02 mg). FR and pH were recorded for each saliva sample. Electrolytes concentrations (Na ⁺, Ca ²⁺, K ⁺, Mg ²⁺) were measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP‐OES). Statistical analysis was performed, and the significance level was set at p < .05.

Results

PS FR varied from 0.13 to 0.42 mL/min in females not taking any medication and from 0.08 to 0.5 mL/min in males not taking any medication. PS pH of females and males not taking any medication ranged from 6.23 to 7.50 and from 6.15 to 7.55. PS pH and FR of the female taking COCs were 6.5 and 0.1 mL/min. PS pH, FR, and electrolytes concentrations (Ca ²⁺, Na ⁺, K ⁺, Mg ²⁺) were not statistically significantly different between females and males not taking any medication. PS concentrations of Ca ²⁺ and Na ⁺ were significantly higher in the females taking COCs than in the females not taking any medication. Whereas, concentrations of K ⁺ and Mg ²⁺ did not differ significantly between the females taking COCs and the females not taking any medication.

Conclusions

There are no significant gender‐specific differences in PS flow rate, pH, and electrolyte concentrations of Na ⁺, Ca ²⁺, Mg ²⁺, and K ⁺. Combined hormonal oral contraceptive has a significant effect on PS flow rate, pH, Ca ²⁺, and Na ⁺ concentrations. Whereas the PS concentration of K ⁺ and Mg ²⁺ are not influenced by COCs. These results warrant further investigation.