Get answers to frequently asked questions about Dry Mouth and Biotène products.

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Dry Mouth and Saliva

  • What is Dry Mouth?

    Dry mouth can describe both the feeling of dry mouth (xerostomia) and the physical reduction in the flow of saliva (hyposalivation). Dry mouth can be caused by many things, including: medications, disease, radiation illness, aging or even stress. Consistent dry mouth not only can impact your quality of life by making it difficult to swallow and speak, but also it can negatively impact your Oral Health. In fact consistent dry mouth can result in an increase in dental decay, plaque, periodontal disease, gingivitis and other oral irritations. Take note that Biotene is not indicated for all of these symptoms.

  • What are some symptoms of Dry Mouth?

    Symptoms of Dry Mouth include:*

    • A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth 
    • Problems chewing, swallowing, tasting and speaking* 
    • Bad breath  
    • Cracked Lips*
    • Dry irritated tongue
    • Mouth sores*
    • Sleep interruptions due to thirst*
    • Gum inflammations*
    • Difficulty wearing dentures*
    • Dry throat

    *Biotène® not indicated for all of these symptoms.

  • What causes Dry Mouth?

    There are a number of factors which could cause Dry Mouth. A few of the most common are:

    • Side effect of medication – More than 500 medications can cause the salivary gland to product less saliva and therefore lead to Dry Mouth.
    • Multiple Medications – The more medications taken, the more likely you are to have Dry Mouth.
    • Disease – Some diseases affect the salivary glands. i.e. Sjogren’s Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease.
    • Radiation therapy – The salivary glands can be damaged if exposed to radiation during cancer treatment.
    • Chemotherapy – Drugs used to treat cancer can make the saliva thicker, causing the mouth to feel dry.
    • Nerve damage – Injury to the head or neck can damage the nerves that tell the salivary glands to make saliva.

  • Why is saliva so important?

    Saliva provides a ‘first defense’ against chemical, mechanical and infectious attacks. It also:

    • Helps you digest food
    • Protects your teeth from decay
    • Helps fight against infections by controlling bacteria in the mouth

About Biotène® Products

  • What makes the Biotène® line unique?

    The Biotene range provides an extensive line of products that are specially designed for consumers with dry mouth symptoms. The Biotène® system/range allows consumers to choose the right products or group of products to fit their lifestyle preferences and dry mouth symptom severity.

  • How do I know which Biotène® product to use?

    The Biotène range provides an extensive line of products that are specially designed for consumers with dry mouth symptoms. The range allows consumers to choose the right product or group of products to fit their lifestyle preferences and dry mouth symptoms. As dry mouth symptoms can vary widely among individuals, a single recommended regimen does not suit everybody. If you are experiencing problems, it is recommended that you consult with your dental or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Read the product labels, visit our website or speak to a HCP to assist you to make your choice about which products in the range to use.

  • How do Biotène® rinse, gel and spray work on dry mouth symptoms?

    The primary mode of action across this range of oral products is physical (not pharmacological) by helping to retain moisture to help keep the oral tissues feeling moist, and by creating a physical coating film to lubricate the oral mucosa, thus helping to relieve dry mouth symptoms.

  • Does using Biotène® do more than just drinking water?

    The Biotène® moisturizing products (Oral Rinse, Gel and Spray) contain humectants (substances that help to retain water in the underlying tissues) and lubricants (substances that create a physical coating) to help moisturize and lubricate your mouth. Water does "moisturize", but it is brief due to lack of humectants. However, we certainly do not discourage you from sipping water to help relieve your Dry Mouth symptoms.

  • Do all the products in the Biotène® range provide dry mouth symptom relief?

    The Biotene® Oral Dry Mouth Rinse, Gel, and Spray are regulated as medical devices and provide dry mouth symptom relief. The Biotene® Oral Moisturizing Rinse and Toothpastes provide oral hygiene benefits only and are not indicated to provide dry mouth symptom relief. The toothpaste is specially formulated to not irritate.

  • Can I use an HSA or FSA to buy Biotène products?

    You can use your HSA and FSA tax-preferred savings account to purchase certain OTC products including Biotène. The passage of the CARES Act by Congress includes provisions to restore OTC eligibility under tax-preferred HSA and FSA accounts. Your plan details may vary, so save your receipt and check with your benefits or health provider for eligibility.

    Source: https://www.chpa.org/Monograph_FSA_CARES.aspx

About Your Mouth's pH

  • Why is your mouth's pH level important?

    In the general population, low pH foods, such as acidic drinks, fruits and other products can be buffered to a certain extent by saliva, i.e. saliva will increase pH in the mouth to counter the drop in pH from these food and drinks. In dry mouth sufferers where the salivary flow is already low this can affect a person’s ability to buffer low pH from food and drinks. Use of oral care products with a pH of less than 5.5 could result in the loss of enamel from the tooth surface, depending on the level of saliva in the mouth. Therefore; for dry mouth sufferers, it is advisable that all oral products have a pH above 5.5 which is closer to normal saliva. This aligns to Dental professionals preferences for neutral pH products for people with low salivary flow.

Where to Buy

  • Where can I find the Biotène® line of products?

    The Biotène® range of products is located in the oral care section, or mouthwash section, of most major retailers. If you can’t find the specific Biotène® product you are looking for, ask your pharmacist or store manager.

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