Abstract

The xerostomia is the subjective sensation of dry mouth. Chewing gum method is one of the nonpharmacological methods used in the treatment of dry mouth.

Objective: To synthesize the effect of chewing gum on xerostomia in hemodialysis patients.

Method: Systematic searches were conducted in Science Direct, Web of Science, Springer Link, The Networked Digital Library of Theses & Dissertations, Ovid, CINAHL, Pubmed, Cochrane library, Proquest, Council of Higher Education National Thesis Center, ULAKBIM Turkish National Databases. The review was carried out in accordance with the Cochrane systematic review handbook and the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the PICOS method. Five studies including randomized controlled, quasi-experimental and pre-post test were included in the study.

Results: In the review evaluated the effect of chewing gum on xerostomia, thirst, overhydration and interdialitic weight gain. Chewing gum was wanted hemodialysis patient when they were feeling dry mouth or thirst in four studies and during hemodialysis in one study. The chewing gum duration ranged from 10 to 20 minutes and no info in one study.Chewing gum frequency was reported at least six times a day in two studies, at least three times a day in one study, four times a day during hemodialysis session in one study and no info in one study. The xerostomia was assessed with xerostomia inventory and with a form prepared by the researcher.

Conclusion: As a result of this review, it has been shown that chewing gum is a positive effect on xerostomia.