EFFECTS OF ORAL TEMPERATURE ON SALIVARY FLOW AND PH IN ELDERLY DENTURE WEARERS. A THERMOGRAPHIC STUDY

The method consists in a passive capture of the thermal energy emitted as infrared radiation by the oral mucosa, real-time visualization and quantification of the superficial infectious-inflammatory process, translating into temperatures at least 1°C higher compared to the unaffected mucosa [10], as well as contrasting color differences, which in turn depend on the color palette of the thermal camera used [11]. [...]starting from the imbalances of salivary parameters frequently attributed to the elderly, removable denture wearers in particular, our study aimed at verifying this hypothesis, on one hand, and mainly at determining the presence of a correlation between salivary flow and pH and another factor participating in the homeostasis of the stomatognathic system [12,13], i.e. the temperature of the maxillary denture-bearing mucosa, by thermographic evaluation of different clinical situations in this category of patients. 2.MATERIALS AND METHODS Our prospective transversal study consisted of assessing the previously mentioned salivary parameters and the temperature registered in the denture-bearing mucosa of removable denture wearers, in various normal or pathological clinical situations. A similar procedure was applied for other factors influencing the unstimulated salivary flow rate, such as postural position, physical activity performed, the investigation being conducted in all patients in a lying position, after a period of relaxation in the dental office of about 15 minutes. [...]infrared thermography was performed by remote detection of the infrared radiation (invisible to the human eye) emitted by the oral mucosa, and its conversion to a visible digital image called thermogram. Each scan was performed following a certain protocol, taking into account the fact that many factors can compromise the real thermal values. [...]thermographic determinations were carried out at an environmental temperature of 20-24°C, while avoiding the formation of air currents, placing the computerized