Clinical evaluation of a malic acid/xylitol spray and a citric acid spray for the treatment of dentinal hyposalivation: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate difference in salivary flow in adult patients with xerostomia during a two weeks treatment using two products; a spray of malic acid/xylitol and another of citric acid. 

Materials and Methods: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial, phase II pharmacological evaluation with triple blind in 32 adults. After the selection of patients with xerostomia, they were ordered by severity and assigned into 2 groups: (1) “spray of malic acid/xylitol” and (2) “a spray of citric acid”. Each one was given one of the drugs and use instructions, measurements were registered in 3 sessions: Prior and 5 minutes after the application of the drug using the Oral Schirmer Test.

Result: Both groups registered an increase in salivary flow after the treatment therapy. A difference of 47,3% on the salivary flow was observed among first and third week of treatment on the malic acid/xylitol spray group, meanwhile a 28,43% was observed on the citric acid spray group.

All data obtained was distributed in a normal way so that there was not any statistical significant difference among flow rate delta stockings on the groups in any session. 

Conclusion: There is a similar effect on the salivary flow generated by the use of acid/xylitol spray and the citric acid spray on adult patients with hyposalivation.