Professional Setting Use

bioXtra Products for Healthcare Professionals

For professionals caring for patients experiencing xerostomia, bioXtra offers clinically evaluated solutions designed to support comfort, oral health, and overall quality of life. Dry mouth symptoms may result from cancer treatment, medications, aging, autoimmune conditions, or other underlying causes, but regardless of the source, maintaining oral moisture is essential to protecting oral tissues and reducing discomfort. Because oral health is closely connected to whole-body health, addressing dry mouth can play an important role in supporting nutrition, communication, sleep quality, and long-term dental health.

The bioXtra product range is formulated to integrate easily into patient care routines and can be recommended across a variety of clinical settings, including oncology, dental, and primary care environments. Healthcare professionals with questions about product use, recommendations, or patient suitability are encouraged to reach out for additional information and support.

Chronic Conditions

Many chronic conditions can lead to dry mouth.1 Over 40% of diabetics have these problems. They can be caused by polyuria, high blood sugar levels or medications. Other medical conditions can also cause xerostomia such as:

  • Sjögren’s syndrome
  • Systemic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and auto-immune diseases
  • Cancer therapy
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Use of multiple medication

Medication

Most cases of xerostomia are a side effect of medication.2,3 There are hundreds of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications that have been associated with xerostomia.2 Some specific categories are:

  • Anticholinergics
  • Antihistamines
  • Antihypertensives
  • Antipsychotics and antidepressants
  • Appetite suppressants
  • Chemotherapeutics
  • Neurological agents
  • Medicines for overactive bladder

People who take multiple medications daily are more likely to develop xerostomia. With three or more different types of medications, the risk of xerostomia increases by over 40%.

Radiation therapy or surgery in the head and neck area can cause serious disruption in saliva production, which can lead to serious discomfort for these patients.

Clinical studies show that the use of bioXtra significantly reduces symptoms and greatly improves quality of life.4,5,6,7

 

Patients in Need of Care

Patients should be encouraged to perform their own daily oral care as much as possible. However, when they are unable to do so, daily oral care is an essential task of the healthcare provider and is considered a fundamental aspect of healthcare.8

When used in a clinical environment, always follow good hygiene practices.

Position the patient in an upright or semi-upright position. Remove or have patient spit out any access of previously applied gel before new application. Take extra care when applying to patients who have difficulty in swallowing.

Aspiration of bacteria from oropharyngeal fluid is a major risk factor for pneumonia in both younger and elderly patients. Poor oral hygiene can also contribute to the development of pneumonia. Increased knowledge and awareness of oral health and its link to pneumonia is essential in prevention and treatment.9

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References:

    1. Hopcraft, M. and Tan, C. (2010), Xerostomia: an update for clinicians. Australian Dental Journal, 55: 238–244.
    2. Gordon J. Christensen, Common Prescriptions associated with xerostomia. Clinician Report; volume 5,Issue 10: Addendum.
    3. Ann Eshenaur Spolarich (2005), Medication Use and Xerostomia- Treating Drug-induced Dry Mouth. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene ;3(7): 22-24.
    4. Shahdad SA, Taylor C, Barclay SC, Steen IN& Preshaw PM (2005), Double-blind, crossover study of Biotène Oralbalance and bioXtra systems as salivary substitutes in patients with postradiotherapy xerostomia. European Journal of Cancer Care 14, 319–326.
    5. Gookizadeh A, Emami H, Najafizadeh N, Roayaei M (2012). Clinical evaluation of bioXtra in relieving signs and symptoms of dry mouth after hed and neck radiotherapy in cancer patients in Seyed-al-Shahad Hiospitla, Isfahan, Iran. Adv. Biomed Res 2012; 1:72.
    6. Dirix P, Nuyts S, Vander Poorten V, Delaere P, Van den Bogaert W (2007). Efficacy of the bioXtra dry mouth care system in the treatment of radiotherapy-induced xerostomia..
    7. Bakhshi M, Manifar S, Azizi N, Shabestari SB, Mardi AH, Shirinbak I, Mehdipour A. Efficacy of bioXtra Spray and Mouthwash in Patients with Radiation-induced Xerostomia: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2014; 3(1): 19-23.
    8. How to provide effective oral care – Nursing Times 15.02.11 / Vol 107 No 6.
    9. Oral health and pneumonia: a case study analysis – Dental Nursing January 2014 Vol 10 No 1.