Xerostomia Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Xerostomia, including details on dry mouth, treatment, causes, lack of saliva.

Randomized-controlled trial: effect of a reservoir biteguard on quality of life in xerostomia.

Robinson PG, Pankhurst CL, Garrett EJ

Division of Dental Public Health and Oral Health Services Research, GKT Dental Institute, King's College, London, UK. peter.g.robinson@sheffield.ac.uk

BACKGROUND: To assess the effect of a reservoir biteguard for artificial saliva on the oral health-related quality of life of patients with xerostomia. METHODS: Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial among 86 adults with xerostomia. Study group received the trial biteguard. Control group received a conventional biteguard. Outcomes were number of impacts and total scores as recorded by oral impacts on daily performances (OIDP). RESULTS: At 1-month follow up 84 people remained in the trial. The median number of impacts in the study and control groups was 3 and 4 respectively. The median total score was 6 and 12 respectively. In ANCOVA receipt of the reservoir biteguard reduced the number of impacts recorded by OIDP but there was no difference in the total score. CONCLUSIONS: Reservoir biteguards improved the quality of life of people with xerostomia by reducing the number of impacts on daily life.

Published 8 March 2005 in J Oral Pathol Med, 34(4): 193-7.
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