A sialogogue (also spelled sialagogue, ptysmagogue or ptyalagogue) is a substance, especially a medication, that increases the flow rate of saliva.
Sialogogues can be used in the treatment of xerostomia (the subjective feeling of having a dry mouth), to stimulate any functioning salivary gland tissue to produce more saliva.
Saliva has a bactericidal effect, so when low levels of it are secreted, the risk of caries increases.
[2] Not only this, but fungal infections such as oral candidosis also can be a consequence of low salivary flow rates.
The following are used in dentistry to treat xerostomia:[3] A tincture is prepared from the root of the pyrethrium (pyrethrum) or pellitory (a number of plants in the Chrysanthemum family).