An imaging-based approach to the evaluation of xerostomia.
OBJECTIVE
Goal was to evaluate the potential of in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging to determine the response of patients with xerostomia to a dry mouth toothpaste versus fluoride toothpaste placebo.


METHODS
Ten subjects with xerostomia participated in this double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study. After examination and OCT imaging, subjects used the first product for 15 days, followed by a 7-day washout period, and then they used the second product for 15 days. Data were acquired at 5-day intervals, also before and after the washout.


RESULTS
Visual examination and tongue blade adhesion test did not reflect response to the product. Two imaging-based markers were identified: (i) In OCT images, epithelial thickness increased significantly (P < 0.05) after use of the dry mouth toothpaste, but did not change significantly (P > 0.05) after the use of a fluoride toothpaste and (2) Optical backscattering data showed progressive characteristic changes from baseline with use of the active product.


CONCLUSIONS
In this pilot study using in vivo OCT imaging, it was possible to detect and measure oral epithelial response to the dry mouth product versus placebo in patients with xerostomia.


CONCLUSIONS
This approach may permit site-specific assessment of xerostomia, individualized treatment planning and monitoring, and sequential mucosal mapping in patients with dry mouth.
Beckman Laser Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA 92612, USA.
Steven
S
Duong
Joseph
J
Youssef
Paloma
P
Pimenta
Holly
H
Aguigam
Jun
J
Zhang
Alden
A
Calantog
Shira
S
Pilch
James G
JG
Masters
Petra
P
Wilder-Smith
D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D014100:Toothpastes; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy
D014100:Toothpastes