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Sorbitol Gum in Xerostomics: The Effects on Dental Plaque pH and Salivary Flow Rates 1
Author(s) -
Markovic Nina,
Abelson David C.,
Mandel Irwin D.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
gerodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1741-2358
pISSN - 0734-0664
DOI - 10.1111/j.1741-2358.1988.tb00307.x
Subject(s) - medicine , chewing gum , sorbitol , dry mouth , dentistry , dental plaque , salivary gland , oral health , saliva , food science , chemistry
Adequate salivary flow is important for patient comfort and maintenance of oral health. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common clinical complaint. Masticatory and gustatory activity can stimulate salivary flow from functional salivary tissue and the use of sugarless mints and gums have been recommended to individuals who complain of xerostomia, but there are minimum clinical data. A clinical study assessing the effect on salivary flow rates and dental plaque pH of a sorbitol‐sweetened chewing gum in subjects with the complaint of xerostomia was conducted. The chewing of the gum in this present study stimulated salivary flow in the subjects with xerostomia. Statistically significant stimulated whole mouth and parotid salivary flow rate increases were found when compared to unstimulated whole mouth and parotid salivary flow rates. Chewing of the sorbitol‐sweetened gum also effectively reduced the drop in pH seen following the exposure to a fermentable carbohydrate. The findings of this present study indicate that chewing of a sorbitol‐sweetened gum may be of benefit to patients with the complaint of xerostomia.