The management of xerostomia in patients on haemodialysis: comparison of artificial saliva and chewing gum.
Many patients on haemodialysis (HD) therapy suffer from a dry mouth and xerostomia. This can be relieved by mechanical and gustatory stimulation or palliative care. The aim of this crossover study was to investigate the effect and preferences of a sugar-free chewing gum (Freedent White) and a xanthan gum-based artificial saliva (Xialine) in the management of xerostomia in chronic HD patients. Sixty-five HD patients participated in a 6-week crossover trial. The artificial saliva was rated significantly lower than the chewing gum for effectiveness, taste and a global assessment. No preference differences were found for gender and age, although older subjects rated the artificial saliva with a higher mark. Thirty-nine subjects (60%) preferred chewing gum, 15% (n=10) preferred the artificial saliva. Therefore, both chewing gum and artificial saliva could play an important role in the palliative care of xerostomia in HD patients.
Bots
Casper P
CP
Department of Dental Basic Sciences, Section Oral Biochemistry, Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam. c.bots@vumc.nl
Brand
Henk S
HS
Veerman
Enno C I
EC
Valentijn-Benz
Marianne
M
Van Amerongen
Barbara M
BM
Nieuw Amerongen
Arie V
AV
Valentijn
Robert M
RM
Vos
Pieter F
PF
Bijlsma
Joost A
JA
Bezemer
Pieter D
PD
ter Wee
Piet M
PM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002638:Chewing Gum; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012464:Saliva, Artificial / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*
D002638:Chewing Gum; D012464:Saliva, Artificial