Comparing Biotène and HydraSmile for Dry Mouth Relief
Author Information
Author(s): Harley Randall J. MD, MS, Bowers Eve MD, Li Jinhong MS, Bisignani Mikayla BS, Nilsen Marci L. PhD, RN, FAAN, Johnson Jonas T. MD, FACS
Primary Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Hypothesis
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of 2 artificial saliva substitutes (Biotène vs HydraSmile) in the symptomatic management of radiation‐induced xerostomia.
Conclusion
Biotène and HydraSmile significantly improved oral dryness among patients with radiation‐induced xerostomia, but neither product demonstrated treatment superiority.
Supporting Evidence
- Both products significantly improved overall xerostomia score compared to water alone.
- Patients who preferred Biotène did not significantly benefit from HydraSmile.
- HydraSmile showed a greater improvement in overall xerostomia score for those who preferred it.
Takeaway
This study tested two mouth sprays to help people with dry mouth from cancer treatment. Both sprays helped, but one wasn't better than the other.
Methodology
Randomized double‐blind cross‐over study involving adult patients with radiation‐induced xerostomia.
Potential Biases
Modified intention-to-treat design may have introduced bias due to reassigning patients who completed the wrong protocol.
Limitations
The sample size of 91 fell short of the 96 patients required for adequate power, and there may be attrition bias due to 38 patients not completing the study.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 63.0 years; 85.7% male; 97.8% White.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.003
Confidence Interval
95% CI −2.35 to 4.81
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website