Objective and subjective efficacy evaluation of various polymer‐based saliva substitutes

Various polymer solutions with and without surfactants were evaluated regarding their lubricating properties on the oral mucosa. After rinsing with the solutions, the oral mucosal friction value was registered with a probe (objective effect). After each rinsing occasion at home, the patients answered a questionnaire (subjective effect). None of the tested polymers showed a longer, clinically significant effect than the other ones. Some of them had the same effect as substitutes available on the Swedish market.