Which treatment is ineffective for patients with chronic salivary hypofunction?

Placing crowns on all teeth for protection is not an effective treatment for patients with chronic salivary hypofunction. This condition leads to a reduced flow of saliva, which plays a critical role in oral health by maintaining the oral environment, aiding digestion, and providing antibacterial effects. While crowns can protect individual teeth from wear or caries, they do not address the underlying problem of inadequate saliva production.

In patients with chronic salivary hypofunction, treatments that improve saliva flow or mitigate dryness are more beneficial. Salivary flow stimulation, such as through the use of medications or stimulants, can help augment saliva production. Selective use of saliva substitutes can provide temporary relief and improve comfort in patients suffering from dry mouth. Additionally, recognizing and treating oral candidiasis is important as dry mouth increases the risk for fungal infections, but it does not directly stimulate salivary function.

Thus, while placing crowns offers protective benefits, it does not remedy the core issue of lack of saliva, making it ineffective in the overall management of chronic salivary hypofunction.