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.

Abstract: A method for promoting dental health in which chewing gum is employed to alter the oral environment to provide natural resistance to dental caries. The method involves chewing a sugarless gum which contains a relatively insoluble, hydrophobic food-grade organic acid, preferably adipic acid. Chewing of the gum gradually releases the acid from the gum at a desirably linear rate over a period of approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Release of the acid from the gum into the mouth stimulates an increase in salivary flow rate greater than that experienced during chewing a non-acidulated chewing gum, resulting in increases in salivary electrolytes and basic proteins and in the concentration of natural salivary bicarbonate to a level in excess of that necessary to neutralize the acidulant being released from the gum. The excess of natural salivary bicarbonate raises the salivary pH and plaque pH and neutralizes microbially-formed lactic acid responsible for tooth demineralization and resultant dental caries.