sialogogue

Introduction

includes

• parasympathomimetics
  • pilocarpine
• chewing gum
• hard candy (sugar-free), sour food or lemon candy
• vitamin C lozenges

Indications

• xerostomia (dry mouth)
• sialadenitis
  • parotitis
• siaololithiasis

Mechanism of action

• parasympathetic muscarinic receptors induce an increase in saliva flow
• chewing stimulates saliva secretion of the minor salivary glands in the oral cavity
  • compression forces acting on the periodontal ligament stimulates release of saliva
• hard candy stimulates taste receptors
  • parasympathetic fibers from the chorda tympani & the lingual nerve are involved in stimulation of saliva via taste receptors