BIOTENE
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
Biotene Line of Products (Mouthwash, toothpaste and gum)
Biotene is a salivary enzyme substitute product that aims to replace the salivary enzyme activity lost in xerostomia.1 A review of primary and secondary literature has provided some insight on the clinical effectiveness of Biotene products (mouthwash, toothpaste, oral gel and gum). Studies evaluating Biotene differ primarily by the etiology of xerostomia and the associated symptoms. Evidence-based recommendations are therefore dependent on the etiology. For patients with xerostomia due to radiation of the head or neck, data supports use of Biotene toothpaste in improving oral dryness and reducing the discomfort of dry mouth after waking from sleep.2 It should be noted this data was subjective and Biotene does not increase salivary flow rate.3 Biotene toothpaste may also reduce supragingival plaque, a complication in dry mouth. Also, there is no evidence for the reduction of bacteria involved in tooth demineralization, tooth pain and dental caries.2 In the clinical setting of xerostomia secondary to medication use, data is lacking and there is no meaningful evidence to support or avoid the use of Biotene Mouthwash or Oral gel.4
The literature has completed various randomized-controlled trials and other clinical trials assessing Biotene in xerostomia and no adverse effects from Biotene toothpaste, mouthwash or gum were reported.5 The excellent tolerability of patients was demonstrated in a study of radiation-induced xerostomia where patients displayed preference for the overall taste and consistency of Biotene products compared to other toothpastes and carboxymethylcellulose gel.1 With the lack of side effects and evidence showing some efficacy, Biotene toothpaste, mouthwash or gum is an appropriate option for patients with radiation-induced xerostomia.5
References
1. Kyritsis V. Chapter 95: Dry Mouth. In Repchinsky C ed. Patient Self-Care. 2nd ed. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010: 910-917.
2. Epstein JB, Emerton S, Le ND, Stevenson-Moore P. A double-blind crossover trial of Oral Balance gel and biotene toothpaste versus placebo in patients with xerostomia following radiation therapy. Oral Oncology. 1999;35:132-137.
3. Tenovuo J. Clinical applications of antimicrobial host proteins lactoperoxidase, lysozyme and lactoferrin in xerostomia: efficacy and safety. Oral Diseases. 2002; 8: 23-29.
4. Gil-Montoya JA, Inmaculada GL, Gonzalez-Moles MA. Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of a mouthwash and oral gel containing the antimicrobial proteins lactoperoxidase, lysozyme and lactoferrin in elderly patients with dry mouth–a pilot study. Gerodontology. 2008; 25(1):3-9.
5. Warde P, Kroll B, O'Sullivan B, et al. A phase II study of Biotene in the treatment of postradiation xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer. Supportive care in cancer. 2000; 8: 203-208
Biotene Line of Products (Mouthwash, toothpaste and gum)
Biotene is a salivary enzyme substitute product that aims to replace the salivary enzyme activity lost in xerostomia.1 A review of primary and secondary literature has provided some insight on the clinical effectiveness of Biotene products (mouthwash, toothpaste, oral gel and gum). Studies evaluating Biotene differ primarily by the etiology of xerostomia and the associated symptoms. Evidence-based recommendations are therefore dependent on the etiology. For patients with xerostomia due to radiation of the head or neck, data supports use of Biotene toothpaste in improving oral dryness and reducing the discomfort of dry mouth after waking from sleep.2 It should be noted this data was subjective and Biotene does not increase salivary flow rate.3 Biotene toothpaste may also reduce supragingival plaque, a complication in dry mouth. Also, there is no evidence for the reduction of bacteria involved in tooth demineralization, tooth pain and dental caries.2 In the clinical setting of xerostomia secondary to medication use, data is lacking and there is no meaningful evidence to support or avoid the use of Biotene Mouthwash or Oral gel.4
The literature has completed various randomized-controlled trials and other clinical trials assessing Biotene in xerostomia and no adverse effects from Biotene toothpaste, mouthwash or gum were reported.5 The excellent tolerability of patients was demonstrated in a study of radiation-induced xerostomia where patients displayed preference for the overall taste and consistency of Biotene products compared to other toothpastes and carboxymethylcellulose gel.1 With the lack of side effects and evidence showing some efficacy, Biotene toothpaste, mouthwash or gum is an appropriate option for patients with radiation-induced xerostomia.5
References
1. Kyritsis V. Chapter 95: Dry Mouth. In Repchinsky C ed. Patient Self-Care. 2nd ed. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010: 910-917.
2. Epstein JB, Emerton S, Le ND, Stevenson-Moore P. A double-blind crossover trial of Oral Balance gel and biotene toothpaste versus placebo in patients with xerostomia following radiation therapy. Oral Oncology. 1999;35:132-137.
3. Tenovuo J. Clinical applications of antimicrobial host proteins lactoperoxidase, lysozyme and lactoferrin in xerostomia: efficacy and safety. Oral Diseases. 2002; 8: 23-29.
4. Gil-Montoya JA, Inmaculada GL, Gonzalez-Moles MA. Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of a mouthwash and oral gel containing the antimicrobial proteins lactoperoxidase, lysozyme and lactoferrin in elderly patients with dry mouth–a pilot study. Gerodontology. 2008; 25(1):3-9.
5. Warde P, Kroll B, O'Sullivan B, et al. A phase II study of Biotene in the treatment of postradiation xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer. Supportive care in cancer. 2000; 8: 203-208