Malic acid spray for treating xerostomia

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This review of the efficacy of topical sialogogue spray containing malic acid 1% for treating xerostomia included 5 RCTs involving 244 patients. While the findings suggested a benefit the available studies are small, of short duration and none are at low risk of bias.

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Sjögren’s syndrome: treatments for dry mouth and hyposalivation

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36 studies were included in this review of treatment options for xerostomia, hyposalivation and quality of life in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome provinding evidence to support pilocarpine use. However the number of studies were limited and adverse effects were common.

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Caries risk assessment – limited evidence to support current methods

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Only 18 studies were identified for this review of caries risk assessment models. Previous caries experience and salivary mutans streptococci levels were the only two methods with more than 3 studies and the quality of evidence for these two approaches was low.

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Insufficient evidence for effects of non-pharmacological interventions for the relief of dry mouth

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It has been estimated that between 10-26% of men and 10-33% of women experience dry mouth. The subjective sensation of dry mouth is called xerostomia and can be found in people with normal salivary gland function. The normal range of salivary production ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 litres per day.  The aim of this Cochrane [read the full story…]

Evidence for the efficacy of clinical methods to assess dry mouth is sparse

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Salivary is a complex substance than contains electrolytes, mucus, glycoproteins, enzymes, lysosomes and immunoglobulin. Its normal production is considered important for oral health.  The aim of this review was to evaluate the quality of the evidence for the efficacy of diagnostic methods used to identify oral dryness. The authors searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library and [read the full story…]

Use of sugar free gum may have potential benefits for oral health of older people

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The aim of this study was to determine the effects of sugar-free chewing gum on the oral health and quality of life of dentate older people living in the community and attending for routine dental care. What did they do Participants aged 60 years and over with a minimum of 6 natural teeth living independently [read the full story…]