Abstract
To identify and analyze the evidence on the effect of chewing gum on thirst in adults. Integrative review, guided by the question: "What is the scientific evidence about the effects of chewing gum on adult's thirst?" LILACS, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were the databases consulted. Of a total of 2,414 articles found, 12 papers were selected whose publications varied between 1991 and 2016. The use of chewing gum resulted in increased salivary volume (five studies), xerostomia relief (seven studies), and thirst reduction (four studies). It was not possible to establish the number of chewing gums per day, being frequent the recommendation to use as desired. There was a predominance of studies with patients under dialysis and with cancer. Chewing gum is an effective strategy to reduce thirst discomfort in adults.
Highlights
Thirst is a subjective sensation that can be defined as the desire to drink water and has identifiable signs that alter the physical, mental and social functioning of the patient(1-3)
Salivary dysfunctions can be divided into three aspects: hyposalivation; changes in salivary composition; and xerostomia(7-8)
Studies that addressed the effect of xylitol and sorbitol on oral health, caries, dental plaque, prevention of oral diseases, salivary tamponade, among other subjects that did not answer the research question
Summary
Thirst is a subjective sensation that can be defined as the desire to drink water and has identifiable signs that alter the physical, mental and social functioning of the patient(1-3). A complex mechanism composed of osmo, baro, mecano and thermoreceptors signals the need for water intake to specific areas of the brain, triggering a subjective and uncomfortable sensation - thirst. Lips and throat, thick tongue and saliva, poor or bitter taste in the mouth and willingness to drink water, which exponentially increases the perception of discomfort generated by water deprivation, are among the peripheral signs or attributes of thirst(2-5). Salivary dysfunctions can be divided into three aspects: hyposalivation (objective reduction of salivary flow); changes in salivary composition; and xerostomia (dry mouth discomfort, a subjective change)(7-8)
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