Salivary stimulation by chewing gum and lozenges in rheumatic patients with xerostomia

Abstract

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.