Oral medicineEffect of handheld mobile phone use on parotid gland salivary flow rate and volume

BackgroundHandheld mobile phones emit nonionizing electromagnetic radiations and generate heat during use which can be absorbed by the adjacent tissues. This study observed functional and volumetric changes in the parotid glands associated with mobile phone use.Study DesignUnstimulated parotid salivary flow rate was measured bilaterally in 142 individuals divided into 2 groups of heavy users and control subjects using a modified Schirmer test. Bilateral parotid ultrasonography was performed to evaluate gland volume. Variation and correlation tests were used to statistically analyze the results.ResultsA significant increase in salivary flow rate along with increased blood flow rate and volume of the parotid glands of the side where mobile phones are frequently placed was observed in the heavy user group.ConclusionsHeavy users of mobile phones demonstrated increased salivary flow rate, blood flow rate, and volume of parotid glands.