Should short‐term use of alcohol‐containing mouthrinse be avoided for fear of worsening xerostomia?

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the short-term effect of alcohol-containing mouthrinse versus mouthrinse without alcohol on xerostomia scores reported by Xerostomia Inventory (XI) scores and short version of the Xerostomia Inventory (SXI). This study was a two-group parallel-arm randomised controlled trial where participants were randomly allocated to twice a day for 7 days use of either alcohol-containing or alcohol-free mouthrinse. Allocation was concealed. The participants, the outcome assessors and the statistician were blinded to the allocation status. A total of 163 participants completed the pre-and post-intervention data collection. There were no statistically significant differences between the study groups with respect to demographics or other measured independent variables. After adjusting for age and gender, regression coefficient (95% CI) for XI was 0.02 (-1.72-2.29) and that for SXI was 0.03 (-0.54-0.83). Both adjusted and unadjusted models showed no significant differences in change in XI or SXI. The mean difference in scores between the groups for XI was -0.45 (-2.45-1.55) and for SXI was 0.05 (-0.65-0.75). There was no significant difference in the change in xerostomia levels as a result of short-term exposure to alcohol-containing mouthrinse, when compared to those exposed to alcohol-free mouthrinse. Short-term use of alcohol-containing mouthrinse does not result in worsening xerostomia.

Anti-inflammatory potential of an essential oil-containing mouthwash in elderly subjects enrolled in supportive periodontal therapy: a 6-week randomised controlled clinical trial

“…We did not find a worsening effect on xerostomia (point difference, 0.5-1.8), despite that placebo and test solution were containing alcohol. This is in agreement with the data of Nair and co-workers who evaluated the 7-day rinsing effect of a 20% alcohol-containing mouthwash versus mouthwash without alcohol [44]. In contrast with our data, their patients were rinsing two times a day for 30 s. We conclude that even long-term use of alcohol containing concentration < 10% mouthwashes are not worsening xerostomia.…”

Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the efficiency of the application of foams with false xerostomia

“…It has been established that the prevalence of xerostomia reaches 40%, but this is permanent and is associated with concomitant diseases in only 2.5% cases. [134567] Xerostomia syndrome is a significant medical and social problem. It is manifested by objective and subjective symptoms of a “dry mouth” and a decrease in sialometry.…”

“…It is manifested by objective and subjective symptoms of a “dry mouth” and a decrease in sialometry. [5678] Every fifth patient presenting at dental clinics complains of dryness in the oral cavity and unfortunately, the number of patients with this problem continues to grow. [123456] This is due to the living conditions in the modern metropolis, including stress and ecology.…”

“…False xerostomia refers to a condition in which a subjective feeling of dryness in the oral cavity is associated with autonomic neurosis. [12345671213] False xerostomia is common in women during menopause (18.8%), in patients undergoing severe nervous shock or in constant stress (22.5%), in patients taking drugs (37.5%), and in patients with galvanic syndrome (18.8%). [123456]…”

“…In 60% of false xerostomia cases, a greater than 50% decrease in the amount of oral fluid was observed, requiring replacement therapy to control the level of oral hygiene. [1234567]…”