Effects of Candies on Salivary Secretion and Oral Bacterial Counts

Abstract

Purpose : Gum chewing is encouraged to alleviate symptoms of xerostomia, but few studies have been conducted with candy. We aimed to clarify the effects of sucking candies on salivary secretion and oral bacterial counts to improve the oral environment of patients with xerostomia. Methods : The participants’ unstimulated salivary flow rate, pH, and oral bacterial counts were measured. A candy (candy stimulus 1) was then placed in the mouth, and the time for complete dissolution, the total amount of saliva secreted, and the number of oral bacteria after dissolution were measured. A second candy (candy stimulus 2) was then placed in the mouth, and the same measurements were performed. Xylicrystal Milk Mint Candies (non-sugar, Kasugai Confectionery Co., LTD) were used. Fifteen healthy adult participants were asked not to brush their teeth before bedtime on the day before the experiment. Results: The mean unstimulated salivary flow rate was (0.39 ± 0.29) mL/min, and the mean salivary pH was 6.96 ± 0.21. Dissolution times for candy stimuli 1 and 2 were (358 ± 62) s and (359 ± 57) s, respectively. A negative correlation (p < 0.05) was found between the unstimulated salivary flow rate and dissolution time for both candy stimuli. The mean candy-stimulated saliva volume and flow rates were (18.05 ± 6.75) mL and (3.07 ± 1.07) mL/min for candy stimulus 1, and (17.84 ± 6.14) mL and (3.06 ± 1.12) mL/min for candy stimulus 2. A positive correlation (p < 0.05) was found between unstimulated and candy-stimulated salivary flow rates. Sucking the candy significantly reduced the number of bacteria (p < 0.05), with candy stimulus 1 reducing bacteria to approximately 65% of the pre-sucking level and candy stimulus 2 to approximately 49%. Conclusion : Sucking candy increased the unstimulated salivary flow rate by approximately 7.8 times and significantly reduced the number of bacteria on the dorsum of the tongue.