• 2/25/2008
  • Tulsa, OK
  • staff
  • Dental Economics (www.dentaleconomics.com)

Patients suffering from dry mouth (xerostomia) preferred treatment with a new, adhesive oral disk called OraMoist rather than treatment with the leading oral rinse, according to a new study.

The study was conducted by Dr. Doron Aframian at Hadassah Medical Center in Israel. One group of patients suffering from xerostomia was treated with OraMoist, the other with the leading mouthwash.

Results included:
1) 70 percent of those treated with OraMoist reported they would use the product in the future, compared to 30 precent of those using the mouthwash.

2) Patients treated with OraMoist showed an increase of saliva production from .11 ml/2 min to .19 ml; the patients treated with mouthwash increased only from .09 ml to .10 ml.

3) Both groups reported a statistically significant reduction in xerostomic sensation, but the moisturizing effect of OraMoist lasted longer than that of the mouthwash.

OraMoist is a disk that adheres to the roof of the mouth, and releases ingredients that help moisten the mouth for up to four hours. It slowly releases tricaprin, a lipid that lubricates and moistens the mouth for up to four hours, and calcium carbonate, citric acid and natural lemon to stimulate saliva production and restore proper Ph balance to the mouth.

Dry mouth results from health conditions, aging, drugs, or lifestyle choices. Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and Sjogren’s syndrome cause xerostomia, as do more than 1,000 prescription drugs. Smoking or drinking alcohol or caffeine can also cause dry mouth.
According to the 2002 U.S. annual report on oral health, 17 percent of unmedicated adult Americans suffer from dry mouth. Thirty-four percent of Americans taking three prescription drugs regularly suffer; 67 percent of Americans taking seven or more medications suffer.

As the population ages, more and more Americans will suffer from dry mouth.

Note:
Statistics are from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2002