Final answer:
Sugarless gum is appropriate for treating mouth dryness because chewing stimulates saliva production; xylitol can help prevent tooth decay and is beneficial in such products. Specialty oral care products like Biotene are effective in treating xerostomia, as evidenced by clinical trials.
Step-by-step explanation:
When addressing mouth dryness, it is important to consider treatments that help stimulate saliva flow. Sugarless gum is actually an appropriate option for patients suffering from mouth dryness, as the chewing action can stimulate salivary glands to produce more saliva. However, it is crucial that the gum is sugarless to prevent tooth decay. Sugar alcohols such as xylitol found in some types of toothpaste and gum are beneficial because they do not promote tooth decay and may help increase saliva production.
Xylitol has been mentioned in studies to improve dental health by being more effective at preventing dental caries, especially in children. Moreover, specialty products like Biotene, which contain components that can relieve symptoms of dry mouth, are seen as effective in clinical trials for xerostomia treatment. It is generally advised to avoid ingredients that can potentially dry out the mouth, such as those found in some toothpaste formulations designed to prevent tartar build-up or dry into a powder.