Neuro-electrostimulation to help with dry mouth
Official title: Application of Neuro-electrostimulation as a Treatment for Patients With Dry Mouth
Run by Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico · NCT07593495 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation treatment can increase saliva production for people with dry mouth.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 35 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Toluca, State of Mexico) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07593495 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults diagnosed with dry mouth symptoms and hyposalivation who consent to saliva sampling and TENS treatment and can attend all visits.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with certain oral infections, active mucosal alterations, or contraindications to electrical stimulation may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Hyposalivation from aging, medications, autoimmune disease, or radiation can reduce saliva flow and affect quality of life. This study uses transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) paired with a physical therapy approach to stimulate saliva production and measure changes in saliva flow and quality of life. Participants will undergo baseline assessments, receive electrotherapy, and have saliva and quality-of-life data collected before and after treatment. Saliva flow will be quantified using sialometry and time-to-moisture on the cheek mucosa, with samples taken in a standardized morning window. The Xerostomia Quality of Life questionnaire will be used to capture perceived impact on daily living.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the treatment could provide a non-drug option to boost saliva production and improve oral comfort for people with dry mouth.
How similar studies have gone: Prior small studies suggest neuroelectrical stimulation can modestly improve saliva flow, though quantification has been limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with dry mouth symptoms. * Patients who wish to participate in the study. * Patients who allow saliva samples to be collected before, during, and after treatment. * Patients who allow the application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). * Patients who do not have any active oral infections. * Patients who attend all sialometry assessments and physiotherapy sessions and complete both quality of life questionnaires (initial and final). Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with any other mucosal alteration. * Patients who do not wish to participate in the study. * Patients who do not allow the collection of saliva samples. * Patients who do not allow the application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). * Patients with any infectious process in the oral cavity. * Because the study requires the use of low-frequency pulse currents, participants with pacemakers, defibrillators, hearing aids, or cochlear implants will also be excluded from the study.
Where it's running
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Clinic of Oral Medicine and Pathology "Orocentro", School of Dentistry, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico
Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Edith Lara-Carrillo, PhD — Professor, School of Dentistry, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico
- Study coordinator: Edith Lara-Carrillo, PhD
- Email: elarac@uaemex.mx
- Phone: +527222126464
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.