Dr. Jack Bottner DDS
  • Home
  • Services
  • Staff
    • Dentists
    • Hygienists
    • Assistants
    • Receptionists
  • What's New
  • Forms
  • Dental Information
  • Contact
  • Request an Appointment

Artificial Saliva

5/12/2017

 
Article from ADA.

  • Artificial saliva is a product that is used by people who have too little of their own naturally occurring saliva (a condition known as dry mouth or xerostomia).
  • Although artificial saliva is not a perfect substitute for natural saliva (which is very complex physically and chemically), it can—when used regularly and as directed—help moisten the oral tissues and lessen the discomfort caused by dry mouth.
  • A company earns the ADA Seal of Acceptance by producing scientific evidence that demonstrates the safety and efficacy of its product, which the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs carefully evaluates according to objective requirements.

Artificial saliva is a product that is used by people who have too little of their own naturally occurring saliva (a condition known as dry mouth). Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, results from an inadequate flow of saliva. Drying irritates the soft tissues in the mouth, which can make them inflamed and more susceptible to infection. Severe dry mouth can promote the growth of harmful organisms. Without the cleansing and shielding effects of adequate saliva flow, tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease are more likely to occur.

Constant dryness and the lack of protection provided by saliva contribute to bad breath. Dry mouth may also cause full dentures to become less comfortable because there is no thin film of saliva to help them adhere properly to oral tissues. Artificial saliva products are available in various forms, such as aerosols or liquids that are squirted into the mouth.


​Saliva coats and lubricates tissues in the mouth. It helps cleanse the mouth and begins the digestive process as we chew. When the saliva glands do not produce enough saliva, the mouth becomes dry. Although artificial saliva is not a perfect substitute for natural saliva (which is very complex physically and chemically), it can—when used regularly and as directed—help moisten the oral tissues and lessen the discomfort caused by dry mouth. Speaking, chewing and swallowing are made easier when the mouth is moist.


Although more than 99 percent of saliva is water, saliva also contains buffering agents, enzymes and minerals that help keep teeth strong and play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy environment in the mouth. Artificial salivas normally contain a mixture of buffering agents, cellulose derivatives (to increase stickiness and moistening ability) and flavoring agents (such as sorbitol). However, they do not contain the digestive and antibacterial enzymes and other proteins or minerals present in real saliva. Research is underway to try and develop artificial salivas that more closely mimic natural saliva.

Patients may need to ask their pharmacist for the product. Artificial saliva does not require a prescription, but it can be difficult to find on store shelves. It can be used as often as needed. Saliva substitutes are quickly swallowed and, therefore, the moistening and lubricating action has limited duration and repeat applications may be needed. Although saliva substitutes will not cure dry mouth, they can provide temporary relief of some symptoms.


ADA Seal of Acceptance

A company earns the ADA Seal of Acceptance by producing scientific evidence that demonstrates the safety and efficacy of its product. The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs carefully evaluates the evidence according to objective requirements.

  • Professional Resources

    There are currently no products Accepted in the ADA Seal category of artificial saliva.

    • ADA Council on Scientific Affairs Report: Managing xerostomia and salivary gland hypofunction--executive summary and full report
    • ADA Oral Health Topics: Aging and Dental Health and Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)
    • ADA Professional Product Review: Palliative Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments for Oral Dryness and Inflammation (PDF; pages 21-24)

    Patient Resources

    • JADA “For the Patient” pages:  Managing dry mouth, Oral moisturizers: Products that can help relieve dry mouth, and Sealing the deal: Buying products that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance
    • ADA MouthHealthy: Dry Mouth, Dry Mouth Quiz, Medications and Oral Health, and Saliva


Prepared by: Center for Scientific Information, ADA Science Institute
DisclaimerContent on ADA.org is for informational purposes only, is neither intended to and does not establish a standard of care, and is not a substitute for professional judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. ADA is not responsible for information on external websites linked to this website.

    Dr Jack Bottner

    We are accepting new patients! Call us at 519-686-6200


    Like us on Facebook

    Topics

    -Aging
    -March 2023
    -June 2020
    -January 2015

    -Baby Teeth
    -May 2022
    -December 2019
    -June 2018
    -August 2017
    -September 2017
    -August 2016
    -June 2015

    -Brushing for Kids
    -May 2022
    -April 2019
    -October 2016
    -June 2015

    Cannabis
    -February 2019

    Cavities
    -February 2023
    -May 2022
    ​-August 2020
    -September 2019
    -October 2016
    -April 2016
    -September 2016
    -March 2015

    COVID-19
    -July 2021
    -April 2021

    Children's Dental
    -May 2022
    -December 2020
    -December 2019
    -September 2019
    -July 2017
    -September 2016


    Diabetes
    -November 2021
    -June 2020

    -August 2015

    Diet
    -May 2021
    -April 2021
    -February 2021


    Dry Mouth
    -November 2017
    -May 2017
    -November 2016
    ​

    Eating Disorders
    -June 2019

    Endodontics
    -August 2019

    Erosion
    -May 2019

    Flossing
    -December 2018

    Fluoride
    -December 2021
    -September 2018
    ​
    Gum Disease
    -October 2020
    -December 2014
    -April 2014


    Sensitive Teeth
    -November 2020

    Oral Cancer
    ​-January 2019

    Oral Health
    -May 2022
    -January 2022
    ​-January 2020
    -October 2020
    -November 2017
    -October 2017
    -July 2014

    Overall Health
    -December 2021
    -January 2021

    Pregnancy
    -March 2023

    Scaling and Root Planing
    -October 2018

    Snoring
    -March 2021
    -April 2022

    Sports
    -October 2022

    Vaping
    -July 2017
    -August 2016

    Wisdom Teeth
    -September 2017

    Whitening Teeth
    -October 2021

    More topics coming soon!
    ​

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014

Copyright © 2023 Dr. Jack Bottner
Original website by Outdoor Connections
Updated by Andrea Twarowski