An interesting research article in Archives of Oral Biology analyzed the saliva of 38 individuals with cerebral palsy compared to their neurotypical peers. The saliva of individuals with cerebral palsy exhibited "an increase in salivary osmolality, total protein, potassium and chloride concentrations". In addition, the saliva flow rate was reduced in individuals with spastic cerebral palsy. The authors concluded that the differences in saliva could be caused by dehydration.
When a child exhibits problems with saliva have you ever recommended increasing hydration? Has it been successful?
Reference: Maria Teresa B. Santos et al. Salivary osmolality in individuals with cerebral palsy. Archives of Oral Biology Volume 55, Issue 11, November 2010, Pages 855-860
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