The effect of chewing sorbitol-sweetened gum on salivary flow and cemental plaque pH in subjects with low salivary flow.

The purpose of this work was to study the effect of chewing a sorbitol-sweetened gum on whole and parotid salivary flow rates, and on the cemental plaque pH response to a sucrose rinse challenge, in subjects with low salivary flow. The results show that chewing a flavored sugarless gum significantly increases salivary flow rates in individuals with dry mouth. Additionally, chewing the sorbitol-sweetened gum effectively prevents the fall in cemental plaque pH generally seen in response to a sucrose challenge. This indicates that chewing a sorbitol-sweetened gum provides a palliative and possibly a protective benefit for people who suffer from dry mouth.