(PO-058) The Use of an External Irrigation Unit for Xerostomia

Author: Michael Barrett – Dental Student, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry
Author: Ali Alhaddad – Dental Student, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry
Author: Caroline K. Carrico, Ph.D. – Assistant Professor/Biostatistician, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry
Author: Susie R. Goolsby, D.D.S. – Dentist, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry
Submitter: Michael Barrett – Dental Student, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry

Xerostomia is a medically based condition that impairs many facets of patients’ quality of life as a result of losing saliva. Persistent dry mouth contributes to burning mucosa, dental caries, difficulty with chewing, swallowing, digestion, and oral candidiasis. Current treatments focus on palliative care, such as the use of ice, sipping water, and moisturizing gels and liquids. There are more invasive and systemic treatments, but their applications are limited.

Studies have demonstrated that the use of medical devices to improve health outcomes due to mitigation of compliance issues, and therefore improvement in the general health, and feeling of well-being in patients. The Voutia external oral irrigation device was designed to address the quality of patients’ lives who suffer from dry mouth. Early patient comments suggest an improvement in the quality-of-life issues associated with dry mouth.

Objectives: At the delivery and retrieval of the external irrigation unit, assessment of the effects of use of the device over a 6 week period are measured using, 1) patient perception of Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and the Xerostomia Inventory (XI), 2) clinical changes using salivary testing, and 3) mucosal appearances using the Clinical Oral Dryness Score (CODS) during clinical exam.

Methods: This is a pilot study using 15 patients who report xerostomia who are then tested to confirm hyposalivation are given the external oral irrigation system to wear continuously.

Results: Although the study is ongoing, initial results have included improvements in lower CODS, improvements in salivary testing, and lower Xerostomia Index scores.

Conclusion: The external irrigation device has improved clinical and quality of life issues for study participants within the months used.