Artificial Saliva gel

Abstract

Saliva is one of the multifunctional fluid that contributes to the protection and lubrication of the oral mucosa, phonation, swallowing and oral health. The low production of saliva causes the individual to present intense pictures of dry mouth and hyposalivation, known as xerostomia. The main causes of xerostomia are smoking, alcoholism, excessive medication consumption, depression, stress, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to develop a salivary gel replacement to alleviate the symptoms caused by xerostomia. The formulation of artificial saliva was obtained by incorporating potassium chloride, sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride dihydrate, potassium phosphate, xylitol, methylparaben, monobasic, carboxymethylcellulose and xanthan gum. The thickeners were incorporated in different concentrations to produce daytime and nighttime artificial saliva. The artificial gel saliva was packed in its own package containing applicator nozzle. Viscosity characterization was performed in a rotational viscometer at 25ºC and 37ºC. The microbiological evaluation of the formulations was performed in a petri dish containing Mac Conkey Agar, Blood Agar and Sabouraund Agar. The results showed that the viscosity decreases as a function of thickener concentration and temperature increase. The formulations were free from microbiological contamination. Artificial gel saliva has adequate characteristics to alleviate dry mouth symptoms caused by xerostomia.