This study has shown the positive results for certain oral hygiene products indicated to treat dry mouth in patients receiving haemodialysis therapy (HD). 

Luz Arelis, Rosa María López-Pintor, Elisabeth Casañas, Julia Serrano, Virginia García, Gonzalo Hernández. Department of Oral Medicine and Surgery, School of Dentistry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain. 

Lucía López-Pintor, María Bravo, Nieves López, María Isabel Guijarro. Asyter Haemodialysis Clinic, Alcázar de San Juan, Ciudad Real, Spain. 

INTRODUCTION 

Xerostomia is the subjective sensation of oral dryness, whereas an objective lack of saliva is known as hyposialia. Xerostomia may be related to multiple general and local factors.⁽¹⁾ This problem is very common in patients with kidney failure under treatment with haemodialysis, and in these patients, this symptom may arise from the decrease in saliva caused by fibrosis and atrophy of the salivary glands, the use of certain medicines, limited liquid intake and old age.⁽²⁾ 

OBJECTIVES 

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a group of oral hygiene products intended for dry mouth (toothpaste, mouthwash and topical gel, containing betaine, aloe vera, xylitol and fluoride) in a group of patients undergoing haemodialysis therapy (HD). 

MATERIAL & METHODS 

This clinical trial included 25 adults undergoing HD and experiencing dry mouth. Both the xerostomia questionnaire, using the visual analogue scale (VAS), and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14 were evaluated. All measurements were taken before treatment, one week after treatment, and three weeks later. Subjects received all dry mouth products (Xeros dentaid^® moisturising product range) daily for three weeks. In addition, they completed a treatment satisfaction questionnaire at the end of this period. 

RESULTS 

All the patients, 14 men and 11 women with a mean age of 63.52 ± 12.50, completed the study. The dry mouth products alleviated xerostomia symptoms, with improvement in VAS values (p = 0.0001) and OHIP-14 (p = 0.0001). The VAS and OHIP-14 scores were higher in the first week than in the third week after treatment. There were no adverse effects. Patient satisfaction with the three dry mouth products was excellent. 

CONCLUSIONS 

Daily use of salivary substitutes for dry mouth with betaine, aloe vera, xylitol and fluoride was observed to improve xerostomia and quality of life in patients undergoing HD. 

CLINICAL RELEVANCE 

It is important to properly treat xerostomia in patients undergoing HD, as dry mouth may cause interdialytic weight gain and worsen the quality of life of these patients.