Preparation and clinical evaluation of a high viscosity saliva substitute.

Twenty-five xerostomic patients were given an artificial saliva substitute we had prepared. In this study we evaluated its effect, period of relief, frequency of use, taste, smell, colour, aftertaste, consistency and desire for continued use. Improvement in the patients' complaints after use was assessed by means of a Chi-square test. Although the majority of patients were satisfied with the artificial saliva and there was a change for the better in their condition, only the dry mouth complaint showed a statistically significant level of improvement.