Healthcare professionals

CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Many chronic conditions can lead to dry mouth¹. Over 40% of diabetics have these problems. They can be caused by polyuria, high blood sugar levels or medications. Other medical conditions can also cause xerostomia such as:
– Sjögren’s Syndrome
– Systemic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes,
and auto- immune diseases
– Cancer therapy
– Hormonal imbalance
– Stress and anxiety
– Use of multiple medication

MEDICATION

Most cases of xerostomia are a side effect of medication^2,3. There are hundreds of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications that have been associated with xerostomia². Some specific categories are:

• Anticholinergics
• Antihistamines
• Antihypertensives
• Antipsychotics and antidepressants
• Appetite suppressants
• Chemotherapeutics
• Neurological agents
• Medicines for overactive bladder

People who take multiple medications daily are more likely to develop xerostomia. With 3 or more different types of medications, the risk of xerostomia increases to over 40%.

Radiation therapy or surgery in the head and neck area can cause serious disruption in saliva production, which can lead to serious discomfort for these patients.
Clinical studies show that the use of bioXtra significantly reduces symptoms and greatly improves quality of life^4,5,6,7.

PATIENTS IN NEED OF CARE

Patients should be encouraged to perform their own daily oral care as much as possible. However, when they are unable to do so, daily oral care is an essential task of the healthcare provider and is considered a fundamental aspect of healthcare⁸.
When bioXtra is used in a clinical environment, read the instructions for use carefully and follow good hygiene practices.
Preferably place the patient in an upright or semi-upright position before applying. Remove or have patient spit out any excess of previously applied gel before each new application. Extra care should be taken when applying to patients who have difficulty in swallowing.
Aspiration of bacteria from oropharyngeal fluid is a major risk factor for pneumonia in both young and old people. Poor oral hygiene can also contribute to the development of pneumonia. Increased knowledge and awareness of oral health and its link to pneumonia is essential in prevention and treatment⁹.

References:

1. Hopcraft, M. and Tan, C. (2010), Xerostomia: an update for clinicians. Australian Dental Journal, 55: 238–244.
2. Gordon J. Christensen, Common Prescriptions associated with xerostomia. Clinician Report; volume 5,Issue 10: Addendum.
3. Ann Eshenaur Spolarich (2005), Medication Use and Xerostomia- Treating Drug-induced Dry Mouth. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene ;3(7): 22-24.
4. Shahdad SA, Taylor C, Barclay SC, Steen IN& Preshaw PM (2005), Double-blind, crossover study of Biotène Oralbalance and BioXtra systems as salivary substitutes in patients with postradiotherapy xerostomia. European Journal of Cancer Care 14, 319–326.
5. Gookizadeh A, Emami H, Najafizadeh N, Roayaei M (2012). Clinical evaluation of bioXtra in relieving signs and symptoms of dry mouth after hed and neck radiotherapy in cancer patients in Seyed-al-Shahad Hiospitla, Isfahan, Iran. Adv. Biomed Res 2012; 1:72.
6. Dirix P, Nuyts S, Vander Poorten V, Delaere P, Van den Bogaert W (2007). Efficacy of the BioXtra dry mouth care system in the treatment of radiotherapy-induced xerostomia..
7. Bakhshi M, Manifar S, Azizi N, Shabestari SB, Mardi AH, Shirinbak I, Mehdipour A. Efficacy of BioXtra Spray and Mouthwash in Patients with Radiation-induced Xerostomia: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2014; 3(1): 19-23.
8. How to provide effective oral care – Nursing Times 15.02.11 / Vol 107 No 6.
9. Oral health and pneumonia: a case study analysis – Dental Nursing January 2014 Vol 10 No 1.