A preliminary assessment of intra‐oral lubricating systems for dry mouth patients

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Abstract
Objective:To provide extended intra‐oral delivery of a saliva substitute. Intervention:Three different types of prostheses containing saliva substitute were designed and assessed: a two‐part device resembling a mandibular complete denture sealed by cobalt‐samerium magnets, a one‐part clear resin device for the edentate patients and a flexible mouth guard type of appliance containing a lubricant releasing bubble for the dentate patients. Setting:A teaching hospital Oral Medicine and Rheumatology Clinic. Subjects:8 edentate and 3 dentate Sjogren Syndrome sufferers. Outcome measures:Subjective dryness after a week of wearing the lubricating appliance. Results:The majority of the subjects wore the appliances for 6–12 hours during each 24 hours. The initial dryness severity diminished after wearing the lubricating prosthesis. The patients preferred to wear the appliance at night. Conclusion:All criteria were fulfilled on designing a saliva substitute lubricating appliance and some of the subjects have worn this prosthesis successfully for up to 3 years. Particular benefit was obtained by night‐time wear.