The effect of xylitol- and alginate-based toothpaste on the course of xerostomia in senior and old-age patients

Abstract

Problems faced by elderly and senile patients include complaints of dry mouth, often caused by age-related decrease in salivation, comorbidity and polypharmacy. The rational selection of oral hygiene products is the most important component of complex treatment of xerostomia syndrome in elderly and senile patients. This article is devoted to evaluating the effectiveness of using moisturizing toothpaste based on xylitol and alginate as symptomatic therapy in elderly and senile patients with xerostomia syndrome.
Materials and methods.
An open prospective randomized controlled study was conducted, which involved 50 people with complaints of dry mouth, aged 73.3±1.7 years. All subjects underwent a comprehensive dental examination, subjective (XI questionnaire) and clinical assessment (CSCOD scale) of xerostomia, oral fluid secretion rate study and quality of life study according to the OHIP-49-RU index. Subjects were divided into two groups, which after a set of hygiene measures daily used moisturizing toothpaste R.O.C.S. “PRO Moisturizing” in the main group and toothpaste with 0.135% fluoride in the comparison group.
Results.
At the repeated examination, all patients showed an improvement in the hygienic condition of the oral cavity and a decrease in the intensity of the inflammatory process in the periodontium (p< 0.001). Patients using the moisturizing toothpaste showed a statistically significant decrease in subjective signs of xerostomia according to the XI questionnaire (p<0.001) and clinical signs of dry mouth according to the CSCOD scale (p<0.05), with an improvement in the quality of life associated with dental health (p<0.01). In the comparison group, the indicators of subjective and objective assessment of xerostomia remained virtually unchanged.
Conclusion.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is an important component of xerostomia therapy, which requires a rational selection of hygiene products that gently clean, protect soft tissues and provide the patient with a feeling of comfort. The use of a moisturizing toothpaste containing xylitol and alginate effectively alleviates the symptoms of xerostomia in geriatric patients, which contributes to a significant improvement in the well-being of patients and reduces the likelihood of developing dental diseases.