Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on salivary parameters in children with β-thalassemia
Noor M.R. ELshanshory, Nagwa A.E. Ghoname, Nura I. Abozena, Radwa EissaBackground
Thalassemia is the second most prevalent hematological disorder in Egypt. It results in significant oral health challenges among affected children, including high caries index, mucositis, and hyposalivation. This study focused on patients aged 6–12 years who were not undergoing any salivary stimulation regimen. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, and overall caries experience in children with β-thalassemia.
Patients and methods
Thirty children aged 6–12 years were selected from patients with β-thalassemia major diagnosed and referred from the Pediatric Hematology Unit, Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University. The children included in this study were divided randomly into two main groups (15 for each) as follows: study group: portable TENS device was used and control group: sugar-free chewing gum was used. Salivary collection was performed using the spitting method. TENS was selected as a painless and effective method for salivary stimulation. Sugar-free gum served as a comparative intervention due to its acceptability among children.
Results
Results revealed that baseline salivary flow rates in β-thalassemia patients were significantly lower than normal values. The TENS group exhibited a significant increase in salivary flow, sustained for 6 months posttreatment, while the chewing gum group showed a nonsignificant increase. However, no significant changes were observed in the buffering capacity for either group. DMFT/dft scores remained high, indicating a persistent caries experience among participants.
Conclusion
The study demonstrated that TENS significantly increased salivary flow in children with β-thalassemia major, suggesting potential long-term oral health benefits. Chewing gum did not produce a significant improvement in salivary flow. Both TENS and chewing gum showed no significant effects on DMFT/dft scores, salivary buffer capacity.