Oral hydration in children with cerebral palsy

AIM: To investigate whether oral motor performance is determinant for the hydration status and the effect of a supplemental oral fluid supply on salivary osmolality. METHODS: The sample consisted of 99 children with cerebral palsy aged 6 to 13 years old. In this study, children participated in 2-day evaluations: 1st day - baseline: saliva collection, caries experience and oral motor performance evaluations; and 2nd day: saliva collection after supplemental fluid supply. Prior to each evaluation, the participants were trained for saliva collection. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected ...