The effect of saliva on dental caries.

BACKGROUND The multiple functions of saliva play a significant role in the prevention of dental caries. METHODS Chewing gum is known to stimulate salivary flow, and the results of studies of the role of stimulated saliva in the oral clearance of food particles, neutralization of dental plaque acids and reduction of the incidence of dental caries have been reported. The author reviews the results of these clinical caries trials. RESULTS Seven clinical trials have evaluated the impact of chewing gum on caries incidence. These studies have shown that chewing sugar-free gum after meals results in a significant decrease in the incidence of dental caries and that the benefit is due to stimulating salivary flow rather than any chewing gum ingredient. CONCLUSIONS Stimulating salivary flow through the chewing of sugar-free gum after meals has been shown to reduce the incidence of dental caries. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Practical measures for stimulating salivary flow after meals or snacks should be considered in caries prevention programs.