Testing pH levels in oral moisturizers

Researchers at the University of Florida recently tested eleven brands of lozenge-type oral moisturizers for harmful acidity levels that cause tooth erosion.

The study found that nine of the eleven tested products are acidic (pH <7) and cause tooth erosion. The only two lozenge-type dry mouth remedies that were non-acidic were Salese^® by Nuvora and OraCoat^®XyliMelts^®.

The objective of the study was to measure pH levels, titratable acidity, and erosive effect of commercially distributed dry mouth lozenges and adhering discs on teeth, mainly the dentin which is exposed at the gumline. Each product was crushed into five grams of powder and dissolved in 10 mL of water. Acidity was measured with a calibrated pH meter, and titratable acidity was measured by adding sodium hydroxide until the solution reached neutrality. Erosion of tooth structure was measured by placing human teeth in the solution and measuring loss of mass.

The most dangerously acidic dry mouth lozenges and adhering discs were reported to be, in order:

• DenTek^® OraMoist^®, pH 2.9

• Cotton Mouth Lozenges^®, pH 3.1

• MedActive^® Oral Relief Lozenges, pH 3.2

• Hager Pharma Dry Mouth Drops, pH 4.44

• Rite Aid Dry Mouth Discs, pH 5.1

• CVS Dry Mouth Discs, pH 5.3

• ACT^® Dry Mouth Lozenges, pH 5.7

• TheraBreath Dry Mouth Lozenges, pH 5.82

Moreover, the oral moisturizers that caused the most tooth erosion were, in order:

• Cotton Mouth Lozenges, 3.1% loss

• DenTek OraMoist, 2.3% loss

• MedActive Oral Relief Lozenges, 1.1% loss

• Rite Aid Dry Mouth Discs, 1.1% loss

• CVS Dry Mouth Discs, 1.0% loss

• TheraBreath Dry Mouth Lozenges, 1.0% loss

The study found a high statistical correlation between high acidity and tooth loss. Both remedies that passed the acidity test, Salese and XyliMelts, contain a pH level of 8.0, which is considered non-harmful to teeth. Previous studies reported that pH <6.7 can be erosive to dentin. One of the products, Salese, is a moisturizing lozenge that slowly dissolves in the mouth. Its sustained release technology allows the lozenge to last an hour or longer in the mouth, continuously providing dry mouth relief. Salese contains xylitol and essential oils, as well as ingredients that lock in moisture, and neutralize acids to cause erosion of tooth enamel.

Salese is available in three flavors (peppermint, wintergreen, and lemon) and can be purchased at select dental offices or ordered on Amazon.com and Walgreens.com, and as Premier Value Dry Mouth Lozenges at Premier Value drug stores. To order directly, contact Nuvora at 877-530-9811.

The complete study results are available here.