Question 1

What is Dry Mouth?

Accepted Answer

Dry mouth can describe both the feeling of dry mouth (xerostomia) and the physical reduction in the flow of saliva (hyposalivation). Dry mouth can be caused by many things, including: medications, disease, radiation illness, aging or even stress. Consistent dry mouth not only can impact your quality of life by making it difficult to swallow and speak, but also it can negatively impact your Oral Health. In fact consistent dry mouth can result in an increase in dental decay, plaque, periodontal disease, gingivitis and other oral irritations. Take note that Biotene is not indicated for all of these symptoms.

Question 2

What are some symptoms of Dry Mouth?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of Dry Mouth include:*
A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
Problems chewing, swallowing, tasting and speaking*
Bad breath
Cracked Lips*
Dry irritated tongue
Mouth sores*
Sleep interruptions due to thirst*
Gum inflammations*
Difficulty wearing dentures*
Dry throat
*Biotene® not indicated for all of these symptoms.

Question 3

What causes Dry Mouth?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of factors which could cause Dry Mouth. A few of the most common are:
Side effect of medication – More than 500 medications can cause the salivary gland to product less saliva and therefore lead to Dry Mouth.
Multiple Medications – The more medications taken, the more likely you are to have Dry Mouth.
Disease – Some diseases affect the salivary glands. i.e. Sjogren’s Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease.
Radiation therapy – The salivary glands can be damaged if exposed to radiation during cancer treatment.
Chemotherapy – Drugs used to treat cancer can make the saliva thicker, causing the mouth to feel dry.
Nerve damage – Injury to the head or neck can damage the nerves that tell the salivary glands to make saliva.

Question 4

Why is saliva so important?

Accepted Answer

Saliva provides a ‘first defense’ against chemical, mechanical and infectious attacks. It also:
Helps you digest food
Protects your teeth from decay
Helps fight against infections by controlling bacteria in the mouth

Question 5

What makes the Biotene® line unique?

Accepted Answer

The Biotene range provides an extensive line of products that are specially designed for consumers with dry mouth symptoms. The Biotene® system/range allows consumers to choose the right products or group of products to fit their lifestyle preferences and dry mouth symptom severity.

Question 6

How do I know which Biotene® product to use?

Accepted Answer

The Biotene range provides an extensive line of products that are specially designed for consumers with dry mouth symptoms. The range allows consumers to choose the right product or group of products to fit their lifestyle preferences and dry mouth symptoms. As dry mouth symptoms can vary widely among individuals, a single recommended regimen does not suit everybody. If you are experiencing problems, it is recommended that you consult with your dental or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Read the product labels, visit our website or speak to a HCP to assist you to make your choice about which products in the range to use.

Question 7

How do Biotene® rinse, gel and spray work on dry mouth symptoms?

Accepted Answer

The primary mode of action across this range of oral products is physical (not pharmacological) by helping to retain moisture to help keep the oral tissues feeling moist, and by creating a physical coating film to lubricate the oral mucosa, thus helping to relieve dry mouth symptoms.

Question 8

Does using Biotene® do more than just drinking water?

Accepted Answer

The Biotene® moisturizing products (Oral Rinse, Gel and Spray) contain humectants (substances that help to retain water in the underlying tissues) and lubricants (substances that create a physical coating) to help moisturize and lubricate your mouth. Water does "moisturize", but it is brief due to lack of humectants. However, we certainly do not discourage you from sipping water to help relieve your Dry Mouth symptoms.

Question 9

Do all the products in the Biotene® range provide dry mouth symptom relief?

Accepted Answer

The Biotene® Oral Dry Mouth Rinse, Gel, and Spray are regulated as medical devices and provide dry mouth symptom relief. The Biotene® Oral Moisturizing Rinse and Toothpastes provide oral hygiene benefits only and are not indicated to provide dry mouth symptom relief. The toothpaste is specially formulated to not irritate.

Question 10

Can I use an HSA or FSA to buy Biotene products?

Accepted Answer

You can use your HSA and FSA tax-preferred savings account to purchase certain OTC products including Biotène. The passage of the CARES Act by Congress includes provisions to restore OTC eligibility under tax-preferred HSA and FSA accounts. Your plan details may vary, so save your receipt and check with your benefits or health provider for eligibility.

Source: https://www.chpa.org/Monograph_FSA_CARES.aspx

Question 11

Why is your mouth's pH level important?

Accepted Answer

In the general population, low pH foods, such as acidic drinks, fruits and other products can be buffered to a certain extent by saliva, i.e. saliva will increase pH in the mouth to counter the drop in pH from these food and drinks. In dry mouth sufferers where the salivary flow is already low this can affect a person’s ability to buffer low pH from food and drinks. Use of oral care products with a pH of less than 5.5 could result in the loss of enamel from the tooth surface, depending on the level of saliva in the mouth. Therefore; for dry mouth sufferers, it is advisable that all oral products have a pH above 5.5 which is closer to normal saliva. This aligns to Dental professionals preferences for neutral pH products for people with low salivary flow.

Question 12

Where can I find the Biotene® line of products?

Accepted Answer

The Biotene® range of products is located in the oral care section, or mouthwash section, of most major retailers. If you can’t find the specific Biotene® product you are looking for, ask your pharmacist or store manager.

Question 13

What are the benefits of Biotene® Oralbalance Gel?

Accepted Answer

Oralbalance Gel contains humectants and lubricants to provide long lasting dry mouth symptom relief. Biotene® Gel has the highest level of humectants and lubricants of any product in the Biotene® range.

Question 14

How much do you use each time?

Accepted Answer

In accordance with the product label GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (GSK CH) recommends placing 1-2 cm of gel directly on the tongue and spreading thoroughly inside the mouth. Biotene Oralbalance Gel can be used as frequently as needed for dry mouth symptom relief but GSK CH recommends that no more than a single tube of this product is used per day*.
*Always follow package directions.

Question 15

What are the benefits of Biotene® Moisturizing Mouth Spray?

Accepted Answer

Biotene® Spray contains humectants and lubricants for instant and long lasting dry mouth symptom relief. The spray provides a portable, on the go product to refresh and moisten the mouth instantly.

Question 16

How many sprays should be made per application?

Accepted Answer

Follow package instructions – spray directly into the mouth, on the tongue and spread thoroughly inside the mouth. Use as needed.

Question 17

What is the correct dosage for Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse mouthwash?

Accepted Answer

Adults and children over 12 years of age can use 15 mL (approximately one tablespoon) for best results. Rinse for 30 seconds and then spit out. Use up to 2 or 3 times per day, based on the instruction of your healthcare professional. Read instructions on the package before use.

Question 18

What are the benefits of the Biotene® Dry Mouth Oral Rinse?

Accepted Answer

Biotene® Oral Rinse is alcohol and SLS free. It contains humectants and lubricants to provide dry mouth symptom relief. Helps rinse away loose food particles in the mouth. It can be used up to 2 or 3 times per day, based on the instruction of your healthcare professional.

Question 19

What's the main difference between Biotene® PBF and Original Oral Rinse?

Accepted Answer

The original Biotene® Oral Rinse is regulated as a medical device, and is for the relief of dry mouth symptoms. Whereas, the Oral Rinse formula is a cosmetic product for oral dryness.

Question 20

How does Biotene® Oral Rinse help clean the mouth?

Accepted Answer

Biotene® Oral Rinse helps clean and refresh the mouth by flushing away non-adherent food in the mouth. This physical action of washing away debris also leaves the mouth feeling fresh. Rinsing with oral rinse reaches parts not reached by brushing.

Question 21

How long does it take for relief to take effect and how long does it last for Oral Rinse, Gel and Spray?

Accepted Answer

In clinical testing, we have shown that the oral rinse, gel and spray have an immediate and long-term effect. We have data to show that Biotene Spray, Oral Rinse and Gel provides symptom relief that lasts up to 4 hours*.
*After 28 days use

Question 22

Can I rinse my mouth after brushing my teeth with Biotene® toothpaste?

Accepted Answer

There is no interaction between water and Biotene® products or any ingredients within the products. Therefore there is no instruction pertaining to rinsing or drinking water after application/use.

Question 23

Is there anyone who cannot use Biotene® products?

Accepted Answer

Products should be used according to the product labeling. It is our recommendation that anyone who is not sure whether they can use Biotene® products should seek the advice of their physician or dentist.

Question 24

Are the Biotene® products SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All Biotene® products are SLS free.

Question 25

Are Biotene® products gluten free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Biotene® products are gluten free.

Question 26

If propylene glycol is an alcohol then why does your label say alcohol free?

Accepted Answer

‘Alcohol- free’ in labeling pertains to being free of ethyl alcohol (also known as ethanol, or grain alcohol); therefore we are compliant and allowed to label “alcohol- free.” True, propylene glycol is an alcohol; however it is a humectant, which is an ingredient that retains moisture (which is why it’s used in our dry mouth products).

Question 27

Why can Biotene® Mouth Spray be swallowed but Biotene® Oral Rinse cannot?

Accepted Answer

These are two different products with different indications, uses and dosage regimen. Biotene® Oral Rinse is part of a daily oral care regimen and is indicated for use at 15 mL for thirty seconds for up to 2-3 times per day, on the instruction of your healthcare professional, and is intended to be expectorated (spat out). Biotene® Spray is intended for moisturizing and should be applied directly into the mouth as required.

Question 28

Why have Parabens been added to the Biotene® products?

Accepted Answer

Due to the Biotene® range's mild formulation ingredients, preservatives have been added in some of the formulations. Parabens have been widely used as preservatives in many consumer products over 50 years and have long history of suitability for use in such products. Parabens are considered suitable for use at current use levels in these products.

Dry Mouth: Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Dry Mouth and Biotène products.

Dry Mouth and Saliva

About Biotène® Products

About Your Mouth's pH

Where to Buy

Product Information

Safety and Regulatory

DRY MOUTH SELF-ASSESSMENT

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