| abstract |
A method for treating xerostomia, or dry mouth, not caused by exercising, employs a specially formulated chewing gum. The method involves chewing a sugarless gum which contains a relatively insoluble, hydrophobic, food-grade organic acid, such as adipic acid. Chewing the gum gradially releases the acid at a desirable linear rate over a period of about 20 to 30 minutes. Slow release of the acid from the gum results in an increase in salivary flow rate in xerostomia non-exercising patients having decreased salivary gland function. |