The effect of chewing sorbitol-sweetened gum on salivary flow and cemental plaque pH in subjects with low salivary flow.
The purpose of this work was to study the effect of chewing a sorbitol-sweetened gum on whole and parotid salivary flow rates, and on the cemental plaque pH response to a sucrose rinse challenge, in subjects with low salivary flow. The results show that chewing a flavored sugarless gum significantly increases salivary flow rates in individuals with dry mouth. Additionally, chewing the sorbitol-sweetened gum effectively prevents the fall in cemental plaque pH generally seen in response to a sucrose challenge. This indicates that chewing a sorbitol-sweetened gum provides a palliative and possibly a protective benefit for people who suffer from dry mouth.
Abelson
D C
DC
Center for Clinical Research in Dentistry, Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery, New York.
Barton
J
J
Mandel
I D
ID
D002638:Chewing Gum; D003739:Dental Cementum / Q000378:metabolism; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000378:metabolism; D012472:Salivation; D012636:Secretory Rate; D013012:Sorbitol; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*
D002638:Chewing Gum; D013012:Sorbitol