A quantitative test for xerostomia. The saxon test, an oral equivalent of the schirmer test

Abstract

We describe a simple, reproducible, and low-cost test for xerostomia, which involves chewing on a folded sterile sponge for 2 minutes. Saliva production is quantitated by weighing the sponge before and after chewing. Normal control subjects produced ≤ 2.75 gm of saliva in 2 minutes. Three of 32 consecutive, unselected outpatients in allergy–immunology clinics and 9 of 38 patients in rheumatology clinics had decreased saliva production, which was significantly different compared with controls (P < 0.01). The presence of sicca symptoms was highly correlated with quantitatively abnormal tear and saliva production, according to the results of the Saxon and Schirmer's tests.