Effects of a betaine-containing toothpaste on subjective symptoms of dry mouth: a randomized clinical trial.

Irma Rantanen, Jorma Tenovuo, Kaisu Pienihäkkinen, Eva Söderling

Journal: The journal of contemporary dental practice 2003;4(2):11-23

PMID: 12761586

Abstract

Our aim was to study the effects of mildly flavoured sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)-containing and detergent-free toothpastes with and without betaine (BET) on subjective symptoms of dry mouth in a randomised clinical trial. BET is an osmoprotectant that reacts with molecules to supply the surface with a water coating that protects cells from surfactants. Twenty-seven xerostomic patients and 18 healthy controls took part in the randomised, double-blind clinical trial with a crossover design. Three mildly flavoured toothpastes: (1) 4% BET, (2) 1% SLS and 4% BET, and (3) 1% SLS were used for six weeks each. The reference or washout paste contained neither SLS nor BET. The subjects' dental appointments were at the beginning of the trial and before and after the use of each toothpaste. At each appointment, the subjects were interviewed about subjective sensations of dry mouth (Visual Assessment Scoring (VAS) Index). The subjects did not report any adverse effects in connection with the use of the toothpastes. The VAS scores for lip dryness and eating difficulties were significantly lower for the BET paste (lip dryness: BET

Address: Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Finland. [email protected]

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https://medlineplus.gov/drymouth.html

MeSH Terms: Analysis of Variance, Betaine, Cross-Over Studies, Dental Plaque Index, Double-Blind Method, Female, Humans, Irritants, Lip Diseases, Longitudinal Studies, Male, Middle Aged, Mouth Mucosa, Patient Satisfaction, Saliva, Secretory Rate, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, Statistics, Nonparametric, Surface-Active Agents, Toothpastes, Xerostomia