Artificial saliva substitutes and mineral dissolution

The erosive potentials of a number of commercially available artificial sal iva substitutes have been investigated using an in vitro hydroxyapatite pow der dissolution assay. Most of the saliva substitutes examined did not show any appreciable erosive potential, although one product resulted in greate r mineral dissolution levels. There appeared to be little correlation betwe en pH and mineral dissolution levels for the different saliva substitutes e xamined. Whilst saliva substitutes may be of assistance in maintaining some physiological function in patients with impaired salivary flow, it is impo rtant to choose a product with low erosive potential where the natural dent ition is present.