title: A double-blind crossover trial of Oral Balance gel and Biotene toothpaste versus placebo in patients with xerostomia following radiation therapy.
abstract: Following therapeutic irradiation of the head and neck, patients with profound xerostomia have complaints associated with oral dryness, effects upon use of oral prosthesis, speech, and taste. In addition, xerostomia may lead to risk of oral infections and rampant demineralization of teeth. The use of topical Oral Balance gel and Biotene toothpaste (Laclede Professional Products, Gardena, CA) versus carboxymethylcellulose gel and commercial toothpaste applications was assessed in a 2-week double-blind, crossover design. The palliative effects of Oral Balance gel and Biotene toothpaste were superior to the effects of a placebo. No effect on oral colonization by Candida species and cariogenic oral microflora was seen with use of the topical agents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dentistry, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, Canada.
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Epstein
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Emerton
authors.forename: N D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Le
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stevenson-Moore
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D013651:Taste Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000209:etiology; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D005782:Gels; D014100:Toothpastes