A sialogogue (also spelled sialagogue, ptysmagogue or ptyalagogue) is a substance, especially a medication, that increases the flow rate of saliva.
Sialogogues can be used in the treatment of xerostomia (the subjective feeling of having a dry mouth), to stimulate any functioning salivary gland tissue to produce more saliva. Saliva has a bactericidal effect, so when low levels of it are secreted, the risk of caries increases.[Featherstone JD. Dental caries: a dynamic disease process. Aust Dent J. 2008 Sep;53(3):286-91. doi: 10.1111/j.1834-7819.2008.00064.x. PMID 18782377.] Not only this, but fungal infections such as oral candidosis also can be a consequence of low salivary flow rates. The Buffer solution effect of saliva is also important, neutralising acids that cause tooth enamel demineralisation.
Usage in dentistry
The following are used in dentistry to treat xerostomia:
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Parasympathomimetic drugs act on parasympathetic muscarinic receptors to induce an increased saliva flow. The M3 receptor has been identified as the principal target to increase salivary flow rates.
[Melvin JE, Yule D, Shuttleworth T, Begenisich T. REGULATION OF FLUID AND ELECTROLYTE SECRETION IN SALIVARY GLAND ACINAR CELLS. Annual Review of Physiology. 2005 Mar 17;67(1):445–69.] Pilocarpine is an example; the maximum dose of this drug is 30 mg/day. Contraindications include many lung conditions, such as asthma, cardiac problems, epilepsy and Parkinson's disease; side effects include flushing, increased urination, increase perspiration, and GI disturbances.
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Chewing gum induces stimulated saliva secretion of the minor salivary glands in the oral cavity. During mastication (chewing), the resultant compression forces acting on the periodontal ligament cause the stimulated release of gingival crevicular fluid. Further salivation can be also achieved by the stimulation of taste receptors (parasympathetic fibers from the chorda tympani and the lingual nerve are involved).
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Malic and ascorbic acid are effective sialogogues, but are not ideal as they cause demineralisation of tooth enamel.
Historical source from plants
A tincture is prepared from the root of the pyrethrium (
pyrethrum) or pellitory (a number of plants in the
Chrysanthemum family). It is found growing in Levant and parts of Limerick and Clare in
Ireland. The root powder was used as flavouring in tooth powders in the past.
[Jude, "Medicinal and Perfumery Plants and Herbs of Ireland", MH Gill and son, (1933) pp.36]
Herbs with sialogogue action
See also
