Chapter 9 ABSTRACT Objective Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) patients should be involved in the development of new saliva substitutes at an early stage. Thepurpose of the current studywas to explore the preferences of these patients regarding various product characteristics of potential new saliva substitutes. Materials andmethods A questionnaire was distributed among SS patients. They could anonymously indicate their preferences for saliva substitute characteristics using 5-point Likert scales. Results Fifty-nine SS patients filled in the questionnaire. According to their opinion, the most ideal saliva substitute has a thin-watery consistency with a neutral flavour that should be applied as a spray. Patients demand a prolonged alleviation of dry mouth complaints and neutralization of harmful bacteria. The patients mainly object against thepresenceof artificial sweetenersandalcohol insalivasubstitutes, but have limited objections against the presence of vegetable-based ingredients and natural enzymes. Major objections were against the potential side-effects “bitter taste” and “discoloration of teeth”. Age and severity of xerostomia affected preferences flavour. Younger patients preferredmenthol flavour, while respondents with severe xerostomia preferred the use of “neutral flavours” significantlymore. Conclusion The most ideal saliva substitute has thin-watery consistency in spray form with a neutral flavour andprovides longalleviation of drymouth complaints. It should not contain artificial sweeteners or alcohol, and should not have abitter taste or cause discoloration of the teeth. Clinical relevance Investigating theopinionof SSpatientsprovides tailored insights into their preference, whichmay contribute to the development of more effective saliva substitutes. Keywords Sjögren’s syndrome, Drymouth, Xerostomia, Saliva substitutes, Patient preferences, Ingredients. 186
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