Some Observations on the Clearance of Glucose from the Oral Cavity

Abstract

The method of Folin and Malmos has been utilized to study the presence of reducing substance in resting saliva. The avg. value of salivary reducing substances (calculated as glucose) for a group of 30 individuals was approx. 20 mg. %. The disappearance from the mouth of ingested glucose fed in the form of chewing gum, hard candy, and chewy candy was detd. in a group of 12 people. The rate of disappearance varied considerably from person to person but, in general, was most rapid after gum chewing and least rapid in chewy candy. The maximum concn. of salivary sugar is reached within 5 mins. and the return to normal is usually complete after 30 mins. Concns. as great as 4,000 mg. % have been recorded for certain types of candy.