Use of fluoride |
Clinical questions |
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Recommendation |
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Topical fluoride should be used in SD patients with dry mouth. No information was available to answer the second question. Strength of recommendation: strong |
Salivary stimulation |
Clinical questions |
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Recommendation |
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While no studies to date link improved salivary function in SS patients to caries prevention, it is generally understood in the oral health community that increasing saliva may contribute to decreased caries incidence. Based on its expert opinion, the TRG recommends that SD patients with dry mouth increase saliva through gustatory, masticatory stimulation, and pharmaceutical agents; for example, sugar-free lozenges and/or chewing gum, xylitol, mannitol, and the prescription medications pilocarpine and cevimeline. Strength of recommendation: weak |
Antimicrobials |
Clinical questions |
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Recommendation |
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Chlorhexidine administered by varnish, gel, or rinse may be considered in SD patients with dry mouth and a high root caries rate. Strength of recommendation: weak |
Nonfluoride remineralizing agents |
Clinical questions |
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Recommendation |
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Nonfluoride remineralizing agents may be considered as an adjunct therapy in SD patients with dry mouth and a high root caries rate. Insufficient information was available to answer the second question. Strength of recommendation: moderate |