Remineralization of enamel by a saliva substitute designed for use by irradiated patients

A saliva substitute, VA-OraLube, was evaluated for ability to reharden dental enamel and to relieve intraoral soft tissue symptoms in patients receiving radiotherapy for malignancies of the head and neck. Treatments of 15, 30 and 60 minutes rehardened enamel by 3.1%, 4.0%, and 5.5%, respectively. In the second experiment, treatment for 60 minutes with the complete solution rehardened enamel by 5.2%. Omitting calcium, phosphorus and/or fluoride from the formulation greatly decreased this rehardening potential. Treatment of enamel with fresh whole saliva induced rehardening at a 7.3% level in comparison to the 5.5% and 5.2% derived by using the saliva substitute. Since the xerostomic patient usually uses the product very frequently, there is a remineralization potential of significant consequence. A total of 125 xerostomic patients used the saliva substitute on an ad lib basis over a period of 4 months. Patient responses indicated a very high level of acceptance and the virtual elimination of troublesome problems previously associated with the dry mouth state.