3M announces new clinical-grade xerostomia relief spray

Anyone who has experienced xerostomia knows that it is frustrating, especially when relief products wear off quickly or are inconvenient to use. In addition to discomfort, the absence of saliva can lead to the development and progression of tooth decay. 3M™ Xerostomia Relief Spray is a new clinically-proven solution that reportedly provides prescription-strength relief of xerostomia symptoms - for up to four hours per use.

As a lipid-based spray, 3M Xerostomia Relief Spray is designed to achieve relief by moistening and lubricating mucosa, and it reportedly showed an improvement in dry mouth symptoms in 92 percent of clinical study participants. Available only by prescription from a dental professional, the spray is conveniently portable and ready to use without any pre-mixing or preparation requirements.

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For some, xerostomia is a minor inconvenience. For others, it's a debilitating symptom that can make it difficult to speak, eat and swallow as well as result in increased dental caries. Since xerostomia is a common side effect of many medications and a symptom of certain illnesses, it’s crucial for dental professionals to know when their patients may be experiencing xerostomia, and to have a plan in place to prevent the risk of dentition breakdown.

For example, when prescribing 3M Xerostomia Relief Spray, clinicians should also consider offering in-office fluoride treatments like 3M™Vanish™5% Sodium Fluoride White Varnish with Tri-Calcium Phosphate and homecare treatments like 3M™ Clinpro™ 5000 1.1% Sodium Fluoride Anti-Cavity Toothpaste and 3M™ TheraMints™ Xylitol Mints, which stimulate the flow of saliva.

“Oral health is a critical part of overall health, so people struggling with xerostomia should feel comfortable asking their hygienist or dentist for recommendations,” says Jennifer Post, RDH, MDH, senior technical service engineer at 3M. "Sometimes the over-the-counter option from the drugstore just doesn’t cut it - that’s when a prescription solution like 3M Xerostomia Relief Spray is actually what is best for patients.”

For more information on 3M Xerostomia Relief Spray, visit 3M.com/Xerostomia.