Saliva-stimulating and chewing requirements. A pilot study of food with saliva-stimulating characteristics.
Ekman S., Hall G., Wendin K.
SIK Rapport : 28 pp.
Abstract : In work designed to assist elderly people who suffer from xerostomy and/or dysphagia, salivary stimulation tests were carried out by a panel of healthy individuals. Mango puree, with or without various additives such as lemon or apple juice, was given to the panel to stimulate saliva production, with water being given as a control. Salivary stimulation was achieved by all of the test products, especially those with the additives, but the effect varied greatly among individuals. In other studies, measurements were taken of the duration of chewing and of the number of chewing movements required before a biscuit was swallowed; these results also varied within the test group. Work is in progress on non-acid additives that assist saliva production and chewing behaviour.