*Artificial Saliva Product Review*
Hi Gang
I've done quite a comprehensive review of several artificial saliva products - tried and tested them over the last few months. I've sent it to my cancer nurses at the hospital, and it's going to the support group I'm in.
Would you like me to post it here? It wouldn't be advertising of course... just someone that's tried various types and can give an opinion.
Let me know if it would be helpful/I'd be allowed x x x
Comments
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Please do
Estelle,
I don't think there is anything actually wrong in posting your unofficial report of products you have tried to help you with saliva. It would only help some that may be seeking information on such products.
I will be in the near future posting my unofficial report of 10 yrs of using Flouride on my teeth, Trays vs. Gel applied by toothbrush. I think that if it helps one person, then it is worth my time to post it.
As you stated, it isn't advertising that you are going to benefit from, just helping others.
I have found what works for me and that is a combination of fliuds, mouth spray, chewing gum to help me during the day to keep my mouth moist. I have no saliva what so ever.
My Best to You and Everyone Here
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Tooth careMarineE5 said:Please do
Estelle,
I don't think there is anything actually wrong in posting your unofficial report of products you have tried to help you with saliva. It would only help some that may be seeking information on such products.
I will be in the near future posting my unofficial report of 10 yrs of using Flouride on my teeth, Trays vs. Gel applied by toothbrush. I think that if it helps one person, then it is worth my time to post it.
As you stated, it isn't advertising that you are going to benefit from, just helping others.
I have found what works for me and that is a combination of fliuds, mouth spray, chewing gum to help me during the day to keep my mouth moist. I have no saliva what so ever.
My Best to You and Everyone Here
Very interested in tooth care as only use high flueride tooth paste
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That would be awesome... this
That would be awesome... this group is amazing so supportive and informative thanks Estelle looking forward.
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YES!!
I'd love to read what you've learned!
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PLEASE DO!!!
Two years out from radiation, my greatest annoyance is dryness and associated problems. Maybe something on your list might be helpful. If I came across something that worked for me I'd share it with the world. So far, everything I've tried hasn't done spit.
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Review/Discussion Of Artificial Saliva Products
As you may know, there are ongoing “manufacturing issues” with this product, leading to fairly constant difficulties in obtaining it. This is a great shame, as many mouth cancer/radiotherapy patients rely on this.
Crucially, AS Saliva Orthana is the ONLY product to contain the all-important FLUORIDE. It is also the ONLY produce that contains MUCIN, which is present in endogenous saliva.
It now looks as though AS Saliva Orthana is not being manufactured at all, now. I have been told that patients’ only chance is to mop up any excess stock that pharmacies may be holding. This is likely to be negligible, as comparatively few people use it in the general population, (which skews the statistics, as so many mouth cancer patients use it!) For example, at the huge Boots in Stafford, there is only one patient who has it: Me!
I have been trialling alternatives over the past few months, and I’d like to convey this information to other patients, perhaps you can help. To my mind, the more knowledge and information sharing that goes on, the better! I’ve not reviewed Saliva Orthana, as there doesn’t seem much point if people won’t be able to get it! Suffice to say it does have a slightly odd taste, and, if your mouth is tender (residual mucositis), Saliva Orthana stings.
Saliva Orthana is the most convenient in terms of packaging – the refillable, hygienic, safe 50ml plastic bottle. But, after a few goes with it, you’ll need a good drink of water, as it does ‘build up’ and become sticky. Here’s a mini-review of the alternatives. I really do hope this is helpful:
GLANDOSANE – (Cell Pharm GmbH, Germany)
For:
Very gentle, pleasant lemon taste. Would not interfere with other things you were drinking/eating.
Lovely texture, no oiliness, no stickiness, no grease – a very light foam. Perfect.
This one really feels like your own saliva, more so than any of the others.
Available over-the-counter and on prescription.
Contains the proper minerals, (Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Chloride).
Long lasting moisture, several hours.
Can is 50ml, pocket/handbag sized.
Seems to keep your mouth moist and silky enough to get the very best out of your speech!
The BEST product I have tried so far. In fact, I’d say maybe better than Saliva Orthana.
Against:
Comes in a metal aerosol tin.
Contains Sorbitol – a laxative in frequent use.
Very expensive (around £9.00! but you can get it prescribed by your GP instead).
XEROTIN SPRAY (Difa Cooper S.P.A, Italy) –
For:
Provides very long lasting moisture.
Can give several hours of uninterrupted sleep!
If your mouth is VERY sore, even Saliva Orthana will sting. Xerotin will not sting, no matter how sore your mouth is.
Contains mineral salts like Saliva Orthana contains.
Against:
Many people find it oily, it also has a nasty, slightly sweet, greasy taste.
It comes in a big, brown glass bottle, hardly handbag sized, and not everyone wants the hassle of decanting stuff into smaller plastic bottles.
Available only on prescription.
Does not contain Mucin.
Does not contain Fluoride.
Contains Sorbitol, which can have a laxative effect when used frequently.
BOOTS EXPERT DENTAL DRY MOUTH SPRAY (Boots, England) –
For:
Has a minty taste. Very refreshing! Tastes and smells lovely.
Lovely texture, no hint of oiliness.
Available in 50ml handbag/pocket size.
If you buy the 500ml bottle you’ll save a lot of money, then decant it into a smaller bottle.
Contains Xylitol. There is a persuasive body of research demonstrating that Xylitol will actually STIMULATE saliva production. And this is VERY exciting – there is peer reviewed research showing that Xylitol causes remineralisation of teeth! This is good news for those of us at risk of ORN.
Against:
If your mouth is even slightly sore, this stuff will HURT.
When you first spray it, your mouth will become very wet. Soon after, it will dry out and you’ll feel thirsty and sticky.
Expensive. Not available on prescription. Cheaper if you buy the 500ml and decant. Some people may find that a hassle.
Sells very quickly, often out of stock!
Contains Castor Oil, Glycerin and Saccharin – laxatives with frequent use! Glycerin also reduces intraocular pressure, which could interfere with medication for Glaucoma?
Glycerin is a sugar alcohol, which makes me wonder if it would actually CAUSE tooth decay, and if the alcohol factor could increase the likelihood of tumour recurrence? Alcohol is an established risk factor. I don’t know enough Chemistry to know if this is right, but it’s certainly an interesting question. Remember, we use LOADS of these products: Even if something occurs in a small amount, we are getting lots of that small amount into us!
Does not contain Fluoride.
Does not contain Mucin.
BIOXTRA GEL (Lifestream Pharma, Belgium) –
For:
Provides possibly the longest lasting moisture of all the products I’ve tried (many).
Will get you an unparalleled 5 or 6 hours of sleep before the dry mouth wakes you up. You need a fair bit, 5 – 10mls per night, so you’ll get through a fair few 40ml tubes.
Taste is acceptable.
Contains Xylitol – this is good – see above.
Against:
Monumentally sticky! It’s also in a tube, and very messy to get into your mouth. Do you hold the tube in the air, tip your head back and squeeze it in downwards, thereby squeezing it onto your face? Do you put some on your finger, very unhygienic, and leaves you with sticky hands. Or do you put the tube nozzle to your mouth (unhygienic) and squeeze directly in? Maybe use a teaspoon? Not very suitable for use out of the house, for these reasons.
Because of the longevity of this product, it would be fantastic for speaking at meetings and giving presentations or teaching sessions, but because of the stickiness in your mouth when you’re actually speaking, it’s just too messy.
Prescription only.
Contains Glycerin and Sorbitol. See above. Laxative effect.
INCREDIBLY this product contains Glucose and Dextrose! SUGAR! Is it safe for people at risk of osteoradionecrosis?!
SALIVEZE (Wyvern Medical Ltd, England) -
For:
Contains the relevant minerals (listed earlier).
pH Neutral (unfair, as I don’t know how acidic the others are; acid causes tooth decay)
Handy little plastic bottle pocket/handbag sized
Claims to be ‘mint’ flavour.
Reasonable moisture given, similar texture to Saliva Orthana, slightly more oily.
This is a fair, like-for-like substitute for Saliva Orthana.
Against:
Personally, I find the taste awful. ‘Ink’, or perhaps ‘oven cleaner’ might be a better description. (I squirted some into my husband’s mouth. He said it wasn’t too bad, but then he hasn’t had half his gob incinerated!).
Like Saliva Orthana, after a few goes, it builds up in stickiness. You’ll need a good drink of water sooner or later.
My mouth is not currently sore, and this product still seems to sting.
Expensive (£6.00 for 50ml, but is available on prescription).
Contains Sorbitol and Glycerol – see earlier comments.
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Saliva product reviewEstelle_H said:Review/Discussion Of Artificial Saliva Products
As you may know, there are ongoing “manufacturing issues” with this product, leading to fairly constant difficulties in obtaining it. This is a great shame, as many mouth cancer/radiotherapy patients rely on this.
Crucially, AS Saliva Orthana is the ONLY product to contain the all-important FLUORIDE. It is also the ONLY produce that contains MUCIN, which is present in endogenous saliva.
It now looks as though AS Saliva Orthana is not being manufactured at all, now. I have been told that patients’ only chance is to mop up any excess stock that pharmacies may be holding. This is likely to be negligible, as comparatively few people use it in the general population, (which skews the statistics, as so many mouth cancer patients use it!) For example, at the huge Boots in Stafford, there is only one patient who has it: Me!
I have been trialling alternatives over the past few months, and I’d like to convey this information to other patients, perhaps you can help. To my mind, the more knowledge and information sharing that goes on, the better! I’ve not reviewed Saliva Orthana, as there doesn’t seem much point if people won’t be able to get it! Suffice to say it does have a slightly odd taste, and, if your mouth is tender (residual mucositis), Saliva Orthana stings.
Saliva Orthana is the most convenient in terms of packaging – the refillable, hygienic, safe 50ml plastic bottle. But, after a few goes with it, you’ll need a good drink of water, as it does ‘build up’ and become sticky. Here’s a mini-review of the alternatives. I really do hope this is helpful:
GLANDOSANE – (Cell Pharm GmbH, Germany)
For:
Very gentle, pleasant lemon taste. Would not interfere with other things you were drinking/eating.
Lovely texture, no oiliness, no stickiness, no grease – a very light foam. Perfect.
This one really feels like your own saliva, more so than any of the others.
Available over-the-counter and on prescription.
Contains the proper minerals, (Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Chloride).
Long lasting moisture, several hours.
Can is 50ml, pocket/handbag sized.
Seems to keep your mouth moist and silky enough to get the very best out of your speech!
The BEST product I have tried so far. In fact, I’d say maybe better than Saliva Orthana.
Against:
Comes in a metal aerosol tin.
Contains Sorbitol – a laxative in frequent use.
Very expensive (around £9.00! but you can get it prescribed by your GP instead).
XEROTIN SPRAY (Difa Cooper S.P.A, Italy) –
For:
Provides very long lasting moisture.
Can give several hours of uninterrupted sleep!
If your mouth is VERY sore, even Saliva Orthana will sting. Xerotin will not sting, no matter how sore your mouth is.
Contains mineral salts like Saliva Orthana contains.
Against:
Many people find it oily, it also has a nasty, slightly sweet, greasy taste.
It comes in a big, brown glass bottle, hardly handbag sized, and not everyone wants the hassle of decanting stuff into smaller plastic bottles.
Available only on prescription.
Does not contain Mucin.
Does not contain Fluoride.
Contains Sorbitol, which can have a laxative effect when used frequently.
BOOTS EXPERT DENTAL DRY MOUTH SPRAY (Boots, England) –
For:
Has a minty taste. Very refreshing! Tastes and smells lovely.
Lovely texture, no hint of oiliness.
Available in 50ml handbag/pocket size.
If you buy the 500ml bottle you’ll save a lot of money, then decant it into a smaller bottle.
Contains Xylitol. There is a persuasive body of research demonstrating that Xylitol will actually STIMULATE saliva production. And this is VERY exciting – there is peer reviewed research showing that Xylitol causes remineralisation of teeth! This is good news for those of us at risk of ORN.
Against:
If your mouth is even slightly sore, this stuff will HURT.
When you first spray it, your mouth will become very wet. Soon after, it will dry out and you’ll feel thirsty and sticky.
Expensive. Not available on prescription. Cheaper if you buy the 500ml and decant. Some people may find that a hassle.
Sells very quickly, often out of stock!
Contains Castor Oil, Glycerin and Saccharin – laxatives with frequent use! Glycerin also reduces intraocular pressure, which could interfere with medication for Glaucoma?
Glycerin is a sugar alcohol, which makes me wonder if it would actually CAUSE tooth decay, and if the alcohol factor could increase the likelihood of tumour recurrence? Alcohol is an established risk factor. I don’t know enough Chemistry to know if this is right, but it’s certainly an interesting question. Remember, we use LOADS of these products: Even if something occurs in a small amount, we are getting lots of that small amount into us!
Does not contain Fluoride.
Does not contain Mucin.
BIOXTRA GEL (Lifestream Pharma, Belgium) –
For:
Provides possibly the longest lasting moisture of all the products I’ve tried (many).
Will get you an unparalleled 5 or 6 hours of sleep before the dry mouth wakes you up. You need a fair bit, 5 – 10mls per night, so you’ll get through a fair few 40ml tubes.
Taste is acceptable.
Contains Xylitol – this is good – see above.
Against:
Monumentally sticky! It’s also in a tube, and very messy to get into your mouth. Do you hold the tube in the air, tip your head back and squeeze it in downwards, thereby squeezing it onto your face? Do you put some on your finger, very unhygienic, and leaves you with sticky hands. Or do you put the tube nozzle to your mouth (unhygienic) and squeeze directly in? Maybe use a teaspoon? Not very suitable for use out of the house, for these reasons.
Because of the longevity of this product, it would be fantastic for speaking at meetings and giving presentations or teaching sessions, but because of the stickiness in your mouth when you’re actually speaking, it’s just too messy.
Prescription only.
Contains Glycerin and Sorbitol. See above. Laxative effect.
INCREDIBLY this product contains Glucose and Dextrose! SUGAR! Is it safe for people at risk of osteoradionecrosis?!
SALIVEZE (Wyvern Medical Ltd, England) -
For:
Contains the relevant minerals (listed earlier).
pH Neutral (unfair, as I don’t know how acidic the others are; acid causes tooth decay)
Handy little plastic bottle pocket/handbag sized
Claims to be ‘mint’ flavour.
Reasonable moisture given, similar texture to Saliva Orthana, slightly more oily.
This is a fair, like-for-like substitute for Saliva Orthana.
Against:
Personally, I find the taste awful. ‘Ink’, or perhaps ‘oven cleaner’ might be a better description. (I squirted some into my husband’s mouth. He said it wasn’t too bad, but then he hasn’t had half his gob incinerated!).
Like Saliva Orthana, after a few goes, it builds up in stickiness. You’ll need a good drink of water sooner or later.
My mouth is not currently sore, and this product still seems to sting.
Expensive (£6.00 for 50ml, but is available on prescription).
Contains Sorbitol and Glycerol – see earlier comments.
Hi Estelle:
You put in a tremendous effort and investment of time - this is a most helpful list. Would you mind if I passed your comments on to my head & neck cancer support group?
One question - for the BioXtra product, you asked "...this product contains Glucose and Dextrose! SUGAR! Is it safe for people at risk of osteoradionecrosis?!"
I'm curious as to why you feel that would be a risk?
- Jeff
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dry mouth
Estelle,
Good information, thanks!
I have had extremely good luck with Xylimelts both for sleep and real world action.
For sleep they last from 3 to 4 hours and the residual carries me through the whole night. I went from desert dry mouth to ok moist mouth.
Real world really worked. 3 months post treatment I had to hike for 3 to 4 hours in rough Oregon coast brush and only took 1 sip from water bottle. Success was mine.
Takes some getting used to. Still use them at night and occasionally.
Matt 2y 6m
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Comprehensive!CivilMatt said:dry mouth
Estelle,
Good information, thanks!
I have had extremely good luck with Xylimelts both for sleep and real world action.
For sleep they last from 3 to 4 hours and the residual carries me through the whole night. I went from desert dry mouth to ok moist mouth.
Real world really worked. 3 months post treatment I had to hike for 3 to 4 hours in rough Oregon coast brush and only took 1 sip from water bottle. Success was mine.
Takes some getting used to. Still use them at night and occasionally.
Matt 2y 6m
Estelle thanks. In answer to Jeffs question is this about potential for tooth decay?
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It's a risk to those of us
It's a risk to those of us who have had radiotherapy, and are at risk of osteoradionecrosis, which can develop following tooth decay.
We are already at massively raised risk of tooth decay, due to the lack of saliva, and because radiated tissue (including gums) can atrophy - causing gum recession.
This is why many of us are prescribed high fluoride products to help remineralise our teeth.
We shouldn't be having things on a regular basis that contain sugar. Glucose and dextrose are both sugar.
Please do share my post, I'm very happy to help in any way I can. Part of why I've posted this is to keep this important dialogue open.
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I keep trying and trying withCivilMatt said:dry mouth
Estelle,
Good information, thanks!
I have had extremely good luck with Xylimelts both for sleep and real world action.
For sleep they last from 3 to 4 hours and the residual carries me through the whole night. I went from desert dry mouth to ok moist mouth.
Real world really worked. 3 months post treatment I had to hike for 3 to 4 hours in rough Oregon coast brush and only took 1 sip from water bottle. Success was mine.
Takes some getting used to. Still use them at night and occasionally.
Matt 2y 6m
I keep trying and trying with the Xylitol "Smints". They would be perfect, if they didn't cause me such a terrible burning sensation. Perhaps it's still early days for me
I'm really glad they work for you, and I believe others 0 -
Hiyah, I'm not sure how
Hiyah, I'm not sure how people physically get medication in America, but I do know some of these are for sale on Amazon. I've put the manufacturer names in, so that, if you need to, you could find the websites and phone or email the companies.
I'm trying to get hold of the makes of AS Salilva Orthana, as, to be honest, that one ticks all the boxes. It's pretty devastating to be on my last three bottles. I'm trying to convert to a different kind - and already I'm waking up too often in the night with that familiar burn.
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Estelle you have 'opened a can of worms' as the saying goes. This is a great idea of giving reviews on the thing we all need. Now can someone do one of chewing gum. I'm told chewing stimulates saliva glands. I havent chewed in 8 months and my teeth really should be doing some excersise incase my throat can ever be opened. I don't want a gum that has sugar or one that makes 'wind'
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Chewing gum and salivajackflash22 said:Estelle you have 'opened a can of worms' as the saying goes. This is a great idea of giving reviews on the thing we all need. Now can someone do one of chewing gum. I'm told chewing stimulates saliva glands. I havent chewed in 8 months and my teeth really should be doing some excersise incase my throat can ever be opened. I don't want a gum that has sugar or one that makes 'wind'
Hiya -
Find any sugarless chewing gum that contains xylitol - it's a natural saliva producer and also cuts down on bacteria in the mouth. There is also some evidence it can help repair the enamel on your teeth. I chew gum all the time - just try to stay away from the strong minty flavors.
Heck, even the act of chewing gum helps produce saliva!
Hope this helps!
- Jeff
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That is great.But my problem
That is great.But my problem is that I produce way to much slivia.I can't figure it out.My moputh will just fill up.The doctor tols me that it shouyld settle down the more I start to swallow but it hasn't.The bad part is that it seem to really take as I talk and I begin to slobber.My mouth will fill yet my throat is kind of dry and alittle horse as I do talk.I'm not sure but think the caffine in my coffee may be doing it.At least that what it seems like.The more I drink at nite at work the more it seems to fill up.Unless being tired starts it up.
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I agree! Chewing gum isjackflash22 said:Estelle you have 'opened a can of worms' as the saying goes. This is a great idea of giving reviews on the thing we all need. Now can someone do one of chewing gum. I'm told chewing stimulates saliva glands. I havent chewed in 8 months and my teeth really should be doing some excersise incase my throat can ever be opened. I don't want a gum that has sugar or one that makes 'wind'
I agree! Chewing gum is recommended to help saliva production, especially those containing Xylitol.
I have read several research papers about Xylitol - not ony does it stimulate saliva production (as does the chewing motion), but ALSO - it has been found to remineralise teeth!
That is such a massive bonus!
I have tried hard to chew gum. Sadly, things get "lost" in my mouth - I can't find them, which is too much of a choking risk for me, AND, I always end up chewing on the flap. My tongue flap is already missing a large chunk at the front - I wont go into the gory details about that incident LOL!
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Hypersalivationthennies61 said:That is great.But my problem
That is great.But my problem is that I produce way to much slivia.I can't figure it out.My moputh will just fill up.The doctor tols me that it shouyld settle down the more I start to swallow but it hasn't.The bad part is that it seem to really take as I talk and I begin to slobber.My mouth will fill yet my throat is kind of dry and alittle horse as I do talk.I'm not sure but think the caffine in my coffee may be doing it.At least that what it seems like.The more I drink at nite at work the more it seems to fill up.Unless being tired starts it up.
Hey T -
Radiation may be the cause but related more to swallowing issues. If you have trouble swallowing and clearing the saliva, it builds up in your mouth.
Was it an oncologist that checked you? Maybe a second opinion from an ENT with a background in treating head and neck cancer patients might be able to provide some insight.How long have you been out of treatment? May just have to wait it out...
- Jeff
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I can swallow and can tasteErthWlkr said:Hypersalivation
Hey T -
Radiation may be the cause but related more to swallowing issues. If you have trouble swallowing and clearing the saliva, it builds up in your mouth.
Was it an oncologist that checked you? Maybe a second opinion from an ENT with a background in treating head and neck cancer patients might be able to provide some insight.How long have you been out of treatment? May just have to wait it out...
- Jeff
I can swallow and can taste everything.When talking with my surgen he said the slivia issure should slove itself with time but hasn't so far.Everything is healing fine.The wierd part is that it starts more ater drinking coffee and was wondering if caffine can do this.Feels strange that mouth fills up yet my throat is alittle dry.And as I talk mouth fills up and will begin to slur my words and with my tounge tied is hard enough now.Wondering if there is any mouth wash or something like that
0
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