XyliMelts time-release adhering discs for night-time oral dryness

Dry mouth can be caused by medication, CPAP use, radiation treatment and a variety of connective tissue diseases, with the prevalence increasing with age. In most individuals, daytime dryness is easily managed. However, except for a new product tested in this study, there is no product lasting longer than an hour that can be used at night to reduce the perception of oral dryness while sleeping. The purpose of this study was to assess whether a self-adhering, slowly dissolving disc that time-releases 500 mg of xylitol, cellulose gum (lubricant and humectant) and mild mint flavour (XyliMelts for Dry Mouth, OraHealth Corp.) used during sleep would reduce perceived morning oral dryness and discomfort. Fifteen subjects self-identified as having morning oral dryness were evaluated first without treatment and again with the use of XyliMelts for Dry Mouth. Measures of initial morning discomfort and perceived wetness demonstrated significant improvement. Perceived oral wetness scores increased more than threefold with the use of XyliMelts for Dry Mouth while sleeping. These findings suggest that XyliMelts for Dry Mouth may be an effective strategy for managing oral dryness that occurs at night.