Salivary Function in Patients Taking Beta-Blockers and Anxiolytics: A Pilot Study with Exploratory Analysis of Oral Fungal Load

Objectives: The balance of the oral environment depends on salivary factors such as flow rate and buffering capacity, which are essential for microbial control and the maintenance of oral homeostasis. Systemically administered drugs, such as beta-blockers and anxiolytics, may interfere with these parameters and promote colonization by Candida spp. This cross-sectional pilot clinical study evaluated salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, and Candida spp. colonization in individuals using beta-blockers or anxiolytics compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Methods: Forty-two participants were included in this study and divided into three groups: control ( n = 15), beta-blocker users ( n = 15), and anxiolytic users ( n = 12). Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) and stimulated whole saliva samples were collected to assess flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity. Candida spp. counts were determined by plating on Sabouraud dextrose agar and expressed as colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL). Results: The results revealed a significant reduction in UWS flow rate among medicated groups, with a higher frequency of hyposalivation in the beta-blocker group. Buffering capacity remained within the normal range in all groups. The beta-blocker group exhibited the highest mean Candida spp. count (1.68 × 10 6 CFU/mL), and a moderate negative correlation between unstimulated salivary flow and fungal load ( r = −0.616; P = 0.0146) indicated that lower basal flow was associated with greater colonization. Conclusion: Overall, this cross-sectional pilot study showed that chronic use of beta-blockers and anxiolytics was linked to reduced unstimulated salivary flow, particularly among beta-blocker users, whereas increased fungal load was observed only in the beta-blocker group.