Objective and subjective efficacy of saliva substitutes containing mucin and carboxymethylcellulose

The lubrication properties of mucin and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)-containing saliva substitutes and water were evaluated in a double-blind trial. After mouthrinsing with the substitutes, the patients answered a questionnaire (subjective effect) and the change of oral mucosal friction was measured with a probe (objective effect). Mucin and CMC-containing saliva substitutes showed almost the same objective effects, with changed friction values of about 15 min, which was more than twice as long as for water. Both water and the two saliva substitutes relieved the symptoms of dry mouth to some extent but they did not have a sufficiently long-lasting effect.