Abstract
Objectives
Evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a new mucoadhesive tablet for treating xerostomia. Xerostomia is not a disease but can be a symptom of certain diseases. It can produce serious negative effects on the patient's quality of life, affecting dietary habits, nutritional status, speech, taste, tolerance to dental prosthesis, and increases susceptibility to dental caries.
Methods
OraMoist, a new mucoadhesive tablet, was developed for patients with reduced salivary secretion. As active ingredients, this mucoadhesive tablet comprises of a combination of the natural lubricant tricaprin, xylitol, oral enzymes, buffering compounds, and saliva secretion inducers. 22 xerostomic patients took part in a randomized crossover clinical study using Biotene® mouthwash as a control. Each patient used a single tablet or mouthwash as often as needed during the 6 hours of monitoring. After a washout period of 1 week, each patient received the other treatment. Clinical assessment of xerostomia included evaluation of the saliva flow rate and the Total Xerostomic Score (TXS). Subjective assessment of each treatment was received by using a questionnaire.
Results
Patients treated with OraMoist showed an increase of saliva production of over 50% (p<0.05) compared to 10% among the control group. Both groups reported a statistically significant reduction in xerostomic sensation, but the moisturizing effect of OraMoist lasted longer than that of the mouthwash.
Conclusions
In conclusion, mucoadhesive tablet was superior or equal to Biotene® in improving xerostomia symptoms and in patients’ overall satisfaction.
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