Which product is recommended for patients with inadequate saliva to help manage dental caries?

The recommended product for managing dental caries in patients with inadequate saliva is chewing gum containing Recaldent (also known as CPP-ACP, or casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate). This product works by providing additional calcium and phosphate ions, which are essential for remineralizing teeth and combating decay. In patients with low saliva production, the natural protective factors that saliva offers—such as neutralizing acids and providing minerals for tooth repair—are diminished. Recaldent helps to mimic some of these protective functions by enhancing the local environment for remineralization, thus aiding in the prevention and management of dental caries.

Chewing gum can also stimulate salivary flow, albeit temporarily, which further assists in oral health. This is particularly valuable for individuals who may not produce enough saliva on their own, such as those experiencing xerostomia (dry mouth) due to various reasons like medications, medical conditions, or aging.

While sodium fluoride is beneficial for remineralization and caries prevention, it does not specifically address the problems associated with inadequate saliva as effectively in this context. Triclosan is an antibacterial agent but less focused on the remineralization aspect. Hydrogen peroxide is primarily an antiseptic and does not provide the calcium