A comparative analysis of antimicrobial agents in artificial saliva: Scoping review

Background: Artificial saliva should be formulated to mimic the physical properties and composition of the natural saliva. In addition to its moisturizing effects, artificial saliva should also include buffering and antimicrobial properties to adequately substitute the physiological functions of natural saliva. Most artificial saliva products focus on lubrication and moisture retention, with limited exploration of antimicrobial components. The optimal antimicrobial agents in artificial saliva have yet to be determined. Purpose: To identify antimicrobial agents used in artificial saliva. Methods: Article searches were conducted using the PRISMA flow chart in October 2024 using three databases: Scopus, Pubmed, and ScienceDirect. Selected articles were then evaluated for risk of bias using the JBI critical appraisal checklist. Results: Six quasi-experimental studies met the inclusion criteria and included in this review. Conclusion: Antimicrobial agents used in artificial saliva are xylitol, sorbitol, lysozyme, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase with potassium thiocyanate, hinokitiol, protamine, whey protein, dried egg yolk, system of enzymes, fluoride ions, hydroxyethylcellulose, and core-shell magnetic nanoparticles. Various other active ingredients may also serve as antimicrobial agents.