Xylitol
Patient counselling
Xylitol comes in many different dosage forms and each brand provides specific directions of use. Mints or chewing gum are more commonly used because of its convenient use.<1> The Journal of Canadian Dental Association generally recommends that chewing gum or mints to be taken up to 5 times per day for about 5 minutes each time to increase saliva flow and relieve dry mouth symptoms.<2> It is recommended to take about 2-3 g of gum or mints at each time preferably with products that are 100% xylitol.<2> When consumed in large amounts (30-50g), Xylitol can cause diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, bloating, and increased total bowel movement frequency.<3,4> Because of this, it is important to increase the dose of Xylitol gradually to prevent this from happening.<3>
Spry® Mints: Take 1 – 2 mints after each meal and snack.<5>
Spry® Gum: Use after each meal and between normal brushings.<5>
Spry® Toothpaste: Use with brushing at least twice daily in the morning and at night.<5>
Spry® Oral Rinse: Swish in mouth for 30 seconds and discard. Use twice daily in the morning and at bedtime.<5>
Spry® Kids Tooth Gel: Can be applied directly to the gums and teeth with a cotton swab or a few drops can be added to the child’s toothbrush before brushing.<5>
OraMoist®: Place adhesive patch on the roof of the mouth and hold in place for 10 seconds. The patch will adhere to the roof of the mouth for 2-4 hours and then dissolve.<6> If more than three patches are used throughout the day, change positions of the patch in the roof of the mouth.<6>
Reference:
Spry® Mints: Take 1 – 2 mints after each meal and snack.<5>
Spry® Gum: Use after each meal and between normal brushings.<5>
Spry® Toothpaste: Use with brushing at least twice daily in the morning and at night.<5>
Spry® Oral Rinse: Swish in mouth for 30 seconds and discard. Use twice daily in the morning and at bedtime.<5>
Spry® Kids Tooth Gel: Can be applied directly to the gums and teeth with a cotton swab or a few drops can be added to the child’s toothbrush before brushing.<5>
OraMoist®: Place adhesive patch on the roof of the mouth and hold in place for 10 seconds. The patch will adhere to the roof of the mouth for 2-4 hours and then dissolve.<6> If more than three patches are used throughout the day, change positions of the patch in the roof of the mouth.<6>
Reference:
- Kyritsis V. Chapter 95: Dry Mouth. In Repchinsky C ed. Patient Self-Care. 2nd ed. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010: 910-917.
- Su N, Marek CL, Ching V, et al. Caries Prevention for Patients with Dry Mouth. J Can Dent Assoc. 2011; 77: b85.
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Xylitol. www.naturaldatabase.com Accessed July 9, 2013.
- Lexi-comp. Xylitol. www.lexi.com Accessed July 8, 2013.
- Xlear. The Spry Dental Defense System. http://www.xlear.com/xylitol-products/spry/ Accessed July 9, 2013.
- Quantum Health. OraMoist. http://www.quantumhealth.com/productgroups/dry_mouth_treatment.html Accessed July 9, 2013.