Clinical evaluation of a new artificial saliva in spray form for patients with dry mouth.

OBJECTIVES To determine the efficacy of a new saliva substitute in spray form, for patients with dry mouth. STUDY DESIGN Thirty-seven patients with dry mouth were selected (16 males and 21 females), with an age of over 60 years and meeting the following inclusion criteria: xerostomia and hyposialia confirmed by sialometry (resting whole saliva / stimulated whole saliva). A new artificial saliva in spray format was applied, with evaluation of the degree of improvement (VAS scale), frequency of application, time to improvement in minutes, duration in minutes, and assessment of organoleptic properties. RESULTS Twenty of the 37 patients showed almost immediate improvement after application. The mean number of applications/day was 3.89, with a mean duration of effect of 15.3 min. (65% > 15 min.). The flavor was rated as pleasant by 18 patients. CONCLUSIONS Application of the spray is simple and effective, affording immediate relief, and with reasonable acceptance among patients with dry mouth.