Mucoadhesive patch increases salivary flow rates for dry mouth sufferers: Study

A newly published study in the October 2010 issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA), conducted at New York University's College of Dentistry, concludes that use of a mucoadhesive patch, affixed to the roof of the mouth, provides statistically significant and sustainable improvements in salivary flow rates and subjective moistness for dry mouth sufferers. An estimated 30 million Americans deal with dry mouth, or xerostomia, an uncomfortable oral health condition which can have a detrimental effect on overall oral health.

This latest study follows another published in Quintessence International (3/10) that showed these unique, time-release patches provided better performance for dry mouth sufferers than a leading over-the-counter dry mouth spray. Approximately 70% of participants in both studies stated they would use the patch again.

The JADA study also found that use of the patch over time provided even stronger benefits. "After two weeks of use of the patch, the amount of saliva in the mouth had increased even during times when there was no patch in the mouth," says the study's lead author A. Ross Kerr, DDS, MSD, clinical associate professor at NYU College of Dentistry. "In other words, the patch would seem to have a cumulative beneficial effect."

The mucoadhesive patches tested in the study are available over-the-counter to consumers under the brand name OraMoist™. Approximately one centimeter in diameter, the patches can adhere to any oral mucosal surface, such as the roof of the mouth or inside the cheek, be used day or night, and last for up to four hours. OraMoist contains additional natural ingredients including xylitol to support oral health.

October 2010 JADA Study Findings Summary: Use of Mucoadhesive Patch for Relief of Chronic Dry Mouth

• Significant increase in objectively-measured salivary flow rates in those using OraMoist
• A "sustained effect" for OraMoist –patients using it benefited more on their 4th and 5th weeks than on their 3rd; increased baseline of improvement
• 96% of patients said OraMoist was easy to use; 82% said OraMoist did not interfere with eating or talking; 74% said the flavor was pleasant.
• OraMoist is safe. No adverse events reported in the study.