PhD Scientific Days 2026

Poster Session 1.O - Dental Research

Effects of antihypertensive medications on salivary secretion and oral health

Name of the presenter

Kovács, Alexandra

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Department of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics

Authors

Dr.Alexandra Kovács¹, Dr.Enikő Szabó¹, Dr.Zsolt Lohinai¹, Dr.Krisztina Márton²
1: Department of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
2: Department of Preclinical Dentistry

Text of the abstract

Introduction
Antihypertensive medications are widely used and are known to affect salivary function, with several drug classes associated with xerogenic side effects. However, comparative data on their effects on objective salivary parameters and clinical oral health measures are limited.
Aims
This study aimed to compare objective salivary and oral health parameters among patients receiving different antihypertensive therapies (CVD) who were awaiting major cardiovascular surgery and healthy controls.
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted including a control group and patients receiving antihypertensive medication needing cardiovascular surgery for aorta aneurysm and carotid stenosis. Patients were categorized into five groups: beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers, and diuretics. Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) and minor salivary gland (MSG) secretion were measured. Oral health parameters included Silness-Löe Plaque Index (SLPI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and DMFT index. Group differences were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis test with post hoc Mann–Whitney U test where appropriate.
Results
Significant differences were observed in UWS (p<0.001) between the control and CVD patients. Post hoc analysis with Bonferroni correction showed higher UWS in ARB (0.69 [0.36–1.08] ml/min) and diuretic groups (1.08 [0.52–1.11] ml/min) compared to controls (0.13 [0.08–0.34] ml/min), while calcium channel blockers showed borderline significance (0.44 [0.24–1.08] ml/min). No significant differences were found for beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors. No differences were observed in MSG secretion, DMFT, BOP, or PPD; these variables were not further analysed.
Conclusion
Antihypertensive drug classes may affect salivary function, with higher UWS observed in ARB and diuretic groups. No differences were found in minor salivary gland secretion or clinical oral parameters. These findings differ from commonly reported xerogenic effects and suggest a more complex, drug class–specific influence on salivary flow. However, as these are preliminary results based on a small sample, further studies are needed.
Funding
No funding.