Wearable System for Promoting Salivation

A decrease in salivary secretion can cause oral pathologies, such as glossitis and stomatitis. Previous studies have shown that the volume of saliva can be increased by various stimuli. These include warming or massaging the jaw and applying a citrus odor. However, no wearable system has been developed to promote saliva secretion in response to user requirements or mouth dryness. Our final goal was to implement a wearable system that continuously measures the volume of saliva and promotes saliva secretion. This was achieved by attaching actuators and sensors to the lower jaw. To investigate the most effective stimulus under different conditions, we conducted an experimental evaluation using three stimuli (thermal, pressure, and odor) under three different conditions (normal state, upon waking up, and after eating a meal). The results showed that the odor stimuli produced the largest amount of saliva. Finally, we discussed the design of a wearable olfactory display for promoting saliva secretion.