GUM Hydral from Sunstar provides meaningful relief for dry mouth.
It has been reported that a high percentage of patients with xerostomia are not receiving help or are dissatisfied with their current dry mouth remedy.
This case series provides detailed reports on individual patients that summarize dry mouth symptoms and the study participants’ quality of life before and after the use of GUM® Hydral™ from Sunstar Americas, followed by an assessment of the possibility that the product will be a new advanced solution for patients with xerostomia.
Sunstar Americas, Inc.
800-528-8537 | gumbrand.com
In a recent study of seven patients with dry mouth symptoms, researchers examined how using GUM Hydral products from Sunstar affected participants’ quality of life.
GUM Hydral, approved by the Food and Drug Administration for dry mouth relief, contains a unique combination of ingredients that stimulate natural saliva. The products in this line, which also contain sugar-free sweeteners, offer lubrication, hydration, and electrolyte balance and create a protective film over the oral mucosa, providing moisturization with little irritation. Relief options include an anti-cavity toothpaste, an oral spray for on-the-go use, an oral rinse, and an oral gel for nighttime relief.
This article will highlight three of the seven participants in this study, most of whom experienced xerostomia caused by medications and/or medical conditions. Most of the patients received a diagnosis of xerostomia from their primary physician. The average age of the participants was 67-years-old, ranging from 51 to 79-years-old. All had been receiving periodontal maintenance.
The participants were asked to complete a 30-second rinse with 15 mL of the GUM Hydral Rinse up to five times a day for two weeks. They were asked to keep a diary and, after the two weeks, evaluate their quality of life, dry mouth relief, and other benefits.
Next, the participants were asked to place a half-inch length of the GUM Hydral Gel directly on the tongue and then spread it evenly inside the mouth. They were instructed to use the gel as needed for symptom relief, especially once before bedtime. This step was added to the rinsing routine for two weeks, after which participants again evaluated the effects.
All patients were directed to a visual analog scale (VAS) to rank their oral dryness on a 10 cm line, with 0 cm meaning “not dry at all” and 10 cm meaning “no saliva at all, extremely dry.” Participants also received oral exams throughout the study from dental professionals, recording objective parameters.
A 63-year-old woman had a medical history of hypothyroidism, cardiovascular issues, and angular cheilitis. Her prescribed medications included Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Synthroid (levothyroxine sodium tablets, USP), both of which, in addition to hypothyroidism, could contribute to xerostomia. The patient had previously used Biotene for dry mouth relief.
She used the GUM Hydral Rinse an average of three times a day and the gel once per day. This case successfully demonstrated symptom relief in subjective and objective evaluations.
The patient’s total score of oral health impact profile (OHIP)-14 decreased from 7 (of 56) to 2 after four weeks of using GUM Hydral products, indicating improved quality of life. She experienced outstanding improvement in painful aching in the mouth and long-lasting relief of several hours with the gel.
Case 2
A 69-year-old woman had a medical history of hypertension, thyroid issues, prediabetes, arthritis, depression, and allergies. Her medications included hydrochlorothiazide and aspirin. She had a 10-year history of xerostomia and previously used Biotene to treat dry mouth symptoms.
This participant used the GUM Hydral Rinse and/or the GUM Hydral Gel twice per day. This case also demonstrated symptom relief in subjective and objective evaluations.
Case 3
A 79-year-old man had a medical history of arthritis and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma treated by laser. His medications included hydroxyzine, diclofenac, and famotidine. He had a 12-year history with xerostomia, although he stated that he had tried no other products to ease this condition.
This participant used the GUM Hydral Rinse an average of two times per day and the gel once per day. This case demonstrated successful symptom relief in subjective and objective evaluations.
The total OHIP score for this patient decreased from 11 to 2 after four weeks of using the GUM Hydral products, indicating an improved quality of life. Outstanding improvement was found in diet satisfaction (taste and swallowing) and self-consciousness. The patient also reported better sleep throughout the study period.
Conclusion
Overall, the majority of the patients who used the GUM Hydral Rinse and Gel reported improvement in their mouth moisturization and quality of life.
Most patients reported dry mouth relief after two weeks of using the rinse, and most also reported additional effectiveness after two weeks using the rinse and gel together.
Quality of life was also improved throughout the study period in the majority of patients. Some reported that applying the gel before going to bed reduced their waking up at night. In addition, dental professionals observed improvement in oral functions throughout the use period. The effectiveness was confirmed both objectively and subjectively.
This case report indicates that GUM Hydral products offer a new, effective solution for dry mouth symptoms in patients with xerostomia who are not satisfied with their current remedy.
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