Anticaries benefits of artificial saliva postradiotherapy

A novel artificial saliva derived from sugarcane could help prevent tooth decay in patients with hyposalivation following radiotherapy to treat head and neck cancer, according to a news article from OralHealth.

In an in vitro study published in the Journal of Dentistry, researchers examined the antimicrobial and anticaries effects of an artificial saliva enriched with the sugarcane protein CaneCPI-5 alone or combined with fluoride and xylitol. They collected saliva samples from five patients with head and neck cancer who underwent radiotherapy and created biofilms on irradiated bovine enamel specimens.

The researchers found that the artificial saliva containing CaneCPI-5 helped reduce damage from acids, mineral loss and colony-forming unit counts — especially when combined with fluoride and xylitol.

The novel artificial saliva could help protect patients with head and neck cancer from the adverse effects of radiotherapy.

Read more: OralHealth

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