Salivary stimulation by chewing gum and lozenges in rheumatic patients with xerostomia.
The effect of chewing gum and lozenges in relieving the signs and symptoms of xerostomia was studied in a 2-wk cross-over clinical trial in 18 rheumatic patients with dry mouth symptoms and low salivary flow rates. Resting flow was measured before (PRESTIM) a chewing stimulated flow rate test (STIM), and also 5 min after (POSTSTIM). STIM flow (mean 1.0 ml/min) was not affected by the test regimens. In the lozenge regimen, mean PRESTIM flow in the group increased from 0.11 to 0.14 ml/min and POSTSTIM from 0.10 to 0.13. In the chewing gum regimen, PRESTIM flow (mean 0.13 ml/min) did not change, whereas POSTSTIM flow increased from 0.13 to 0.16 ml/min. In terms of patients' preferences, chewing gum and lozenges were ranked equal. Both these physiologic stimuli had few side-effects. Subjective symptoms were relieved in about one-third of the subjects, but relief was not always verified by improved flow rates. The regimens were not found to influence buffering capacity; salivary counts of mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, and candida; or oral sugar clearance time.
Risheim
H
H
Department of Cariology, Dental Faculty, University of Oslo, Norway.
Arneberg
P
P
D000368:Aged; D002638:Chewing Gum; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008409:Mastication; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism*; D012636:Secretory Rate; D013607:Tablets; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*
D002638:Chewing Gum; D013607:Tablets