Artificial saliva substitutes and mineral dissolution.

The erosive potentials of a number of commercially available artificial saliva substitutes have been investigated using an in vitro hydroxyapatite powder dissolution assay. Most of the saliva substitutes examined did not show any appreciable erosive potential, although one product resulted in greater mineral dissolution levels. There appeared to be little correlation between pH and mineral dissolution levels for the different saliva substitutes examined. Whilst saliva substitutes may be of assistance in maintaining some physiological function in patients with impaired salivary flow, it is important to choose a product with low erosive potential where the natural dentition is present.