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Inside Dentistry
June 2015
Volume 11, Issue 6

Recall Appointment

Two weeks later, the patient returned for her follow-up appointment and said that the level of sensitivity and dry mouth discomfort she had been experiencing was cut in half from its previous rating of “severe.” Additionally, she reported the relief from dry mouth discomfort she experienced using Enamelon was more “permanent” than her previous protocol, even though she only used it two times a day.

The follow-up intraoral examination revealed that the mucosa did not appear to be as dry (Figure 5) and more saliva was present in the oral cavity. The patient reported that her mouth felt “more slippery,” making it easier for her to talk and swallow. She also noted that she would recommend the product to others suffering from the same condition and symptoms.

Although this is an anecdotal reporting of one experience using this new product, this patient experienced excellent initial clinical results and symptomatic relief. Considering the long history of this case and the amount of suffering she has endured, both patient and doctor were satisfied with the promising treatment offered by Enamelon Preventive Treatment Gel.

Discussion

The science behind Enamelon explains how it helps relieve the dry mouth discomfort and sensitivity that was experienced in this case. Fluoride ions in saliva are not as effective without the presence of sufficient calcium and phosphate ions.9 Enamelon offers remineralization benefits in part because its formulation includes the technology to deliver ACP. In addition, the product features mucoadhesive copolymers and Ultramulsion®, a patented, saliva-soluble, long-lasting coating that may lubricate and soothe the soft tissues of the mouth and may provide improved therapeutic performance by enhancing substantivity.8 The combination of these components allows for the formation of loosely bound calcium fluoride reservoirs that serve to promote remineralization and inhibit demineralization.8 Indeed, Enamelon has been shown in in vitro studies to provide almost 2.5 times greater fluoride uptake10 and 3 times greater resistance to demineralization11 than prescription strength, 5000-ppm fluoride toothpastes.

Conclusion

One major challenge in dentistry is to decide which treatment may be best for each patient. For patients who report similar problems with sensitivity, gingivitis, high caries rates, and dry mouth discomfort, Enamelon is a new option that could prove as effective as in the case example here. The author has since recommended it to other patients with similarly positive results. The safety of this 970-ppm fluoride gel and the in vitro data showing that it outperforms prescription products with five times the amount of fluoride makes it an excellent option for many patients.

For more information, contact:

Premier Dental
888-670-6100
www.premusa.com

References

1. Orellana MF, Lagravère MO, Boychuk DG, et al. Prevalence of xerostomia in population-based samples: a systematic review. J Public Health Dent. 2006;66(2):152-158.

2. Guggenheim J, Moore PA. Xerostomia: etiology, recognition and treatment. J Am Dent Assoc. 2003;134(4):61-69.

3. Navazesh M. How can oral health care providers determine if patients have a dry mouth? J Am Dent Assoc. 2003;134:613-618.

4. Dry mouth. American Dental Association website. www.ada.org/en/Home-MouthHealthy/az-topics/d/dry-mouth. Accessed April 20, 2015.

5. Xerostomia. The Oral Cancer Foundation website. www.oralcancerfoundation.org/complications/xerostomia.php. Accessed April 20, 2015.

6. American Dental Association (ADA) Division of Science. Managing dry mouth. J Am Dent Assoc. 2015;146(2):A40. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2014.11.019.

7. Croll TP, DiMarino J. A review of contemporary dentifrices. Academy of Dental Therapeutics and Stomatology website. www.ineedce.com. Accessed April 20, 2015.

8. Enamelon: the new standard of caring [product brochure]. Premier website. www.premusa.com/dsp/Enamelon_Brochure_R6.pdf. Accessed April 20, 2015.

9. Schemehorn BR, Orban JC, Wood GD, et al. Remineralization by fluoride enhanced with calcium and phosphate ingredients. J Clin Dent. 1999;10(1 spec. no.):13-16.

10. Schemehorn BR, DiMarino JC, Movahed N. Comparison of the incipient lesion enamel fluoride uptake from various prescription and OTC fluoride toothpastes and gels. J Clin Dent. 2014;25(3):57-64.

11. Schemehorn BR, DiMarino JC, Movahed N. Comparison of the enamel solubility reduction from various prescription and OTC fluoride toothpastes and gels. J Clin Dent. 2014;25:61-64.

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