title: Management of dry mouth: assessment of oral symptoms after use of a polysaccharide-based oral rinse.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Salivary dysfunction is associated with a range of oral/dental issues, and management of oral symptoms may improve oral function and overall quality of life. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate oral symptoms and function in a xerostomic population after use of a proprietary topical for dry mouth, Moisyn (Synedgen Inc., Claremont, CA), which is a polysaccharide-based product.
  
  
  METHODS
  A pre- and post-test survey was completed by 57 patients with xerostomia. Patients rated their common oral symptoms, based on the Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey, before and after 1-week use of Moisyn rinse and spray. Saliva production under resting and chewing stimulation was also assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most patients reported relief from dry mouth symptoms and thick saliva (81.7% and 76.0%, respectively) for more than 30 minutes after product use. Statistically significant reductions were found in 15 of 33 oral symptoms. Symptom improvement ranged from 10.7% to 28.4% for thick saliva, 8.4% to 30.6% for pain, 5.5% to 30.4% for dry mouth, and 12% to 21.3% for taste/diet change. Whole unstimulated/resting saliva improved by 100%, and whole stimulated saliva improved by 23.8%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest that the product has utility in symptom control in patients with xerostomia and may lead to an increase in saliva production.
authors.affiliation: Cedars-Sinai Health System, Los Angeles, CA, USA. Electronic address: Joel_epstein@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Joel B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Epstein
authors.affiliation: Advocate Health Care, Department of Research, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Dana C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Villines
authors.affiliation: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Mabi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Athena
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Papas
mesh_terms: D048271:Chitosan / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009067:Mouthwashes; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D009067:Mouthwashes; D048271:Chitosan