Artificial saliva or salivary substitutes refer to a synthetically produced liquid that mimics the natural secretion of saliva. It is designed as a symptomatic relief for xerostomia, a condition characterised by dryness in the mouth and is available over-the-counter. The efficacy of artificial saliva in a systematic review of clinical trials indicates that all evaluated products reduce xerostomia symptoms, but the comparative effectiveness remains unclear due to study inconsistencies and potential biases. Side effects are uncommon, but users should take precautions against possible side effects such as allergic reactions.
Artificial saliva is mainly composed of bioactive compounds, which substitute for natural saliva's biological functions, such as facilitating antimicrobial activity, digestion and lubrication of oral tissues. Additional components such as buffering and flavouring agents are added to increase the stability of formulations and user acceptance, respectively. These formulations are available in various forms and have varied chemical-physical properties.
Current research on artificial saliva focuses on expanding its functionality by incorporating synthetic molecules similar to their biological counterparts in natural saliva. The study includes efforts to enhance native salivary proteins and synthesise novel molecules using various chemical and genetic engineering techniques.