Use of a mucoadhesive disk for relief of dry mouth: a randomized, double-masked, controlled crossover study

BackgroundDry mouth is a frequent complaint of adults worldwide. In those who experience dry mouth, therapeutic options include the use of salivary substitutes and sialogogues.MethodsThe authors compared the efficacy and safety of mucoadhesive disks (OraMoist, Axiomedic, Zurich; distributed by Quantum Health, Eugene, Ore.) applied three times daily with those of placebo mucoadhesive disks in a double-masked, randomized, controlled crossover study. The primary end point of interest was within-participant differences in subjective (visual analog scale) ratings of dry mouth according to the New York University Bluestone Mouthfeel Questionnaire. The secondary end point was within-participant differences in salivary flow rates.ResultsTwenty-seven participants completed the single-site study. The results showed no significant difference between the two types of mucoadhesive disks, both of which were associated with a statistically significant improvement in the subjective experience of moistness across the 60-minute period after application and compared with baseline measures after two weeks of use. Furthermore, both disks were associated with a statistically significant improvement in salivary flow rates across the 60-minute period after application and compared with baseline measures after one and two weeks of use. The disks were well tolerated, and participants did not report any adverse events.ConclusionsThe mucoadhesive disks used in this study were safe and provided symptomatic relief from dry mouth.Practice ImplicationsPatients with dry mouth may benefit from this novel delivery system.