Salivary pH after a glucose rinse: effect of a new mucoadhesive spray (Cariex) based on sodium bicarbonate and xylitol.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated whether sodium bicarbonate applied on the oral mucosa through a new mucoadhesive spray (Cariex) could control a drop in salivary pH after a glucose rinse, and therefore enhance the buffering potential of saliva.

METHODS

A sample of 50 healthy adults was selected. At day 1, the measurement of salivary pH was performed in the lower fornix in correspondence with the lower molars. Each subject rinsed with 10 ml of a 10% glucose solution and then pH was monitored continually for 40 minutes. At day 2, the same experimental procedure was repeated and three shots of the spray were administered on the oral mucosa. The tested spray is composed of sodium bicarbonate, xylitol, and excipients.

RESULTS

Without the mucoadhesive spray, salivary pH became significantly lower following the glucose rinse (p < 0.01). Following the spray, the time in which the pH remained lower than 6.0 was reduced statistically significantly (p < 0.01). A continual rise of salivary pH was observed for the 40 minutes in which the pH recording was performed. Conclusions: The use of a sodium bicarbonate spray on the mucosa was shown to control the lowering of salivary pH following carbohydrate consumption, and might therefore add to the prevention of caries and dental erosion.