Dry Mouth Sufferers Find Their Oasis®
Unique Mouthwash and Mouth Spray Provide Lasting Moisturization
PITTSBURGH (December 5, 2006) - On an average day, the human mouth will normally produce two to four pints of saliva - enough to fill a half gallon carton of milk. While most people don't often think about saliva, it plays a role in almost everything that happens in the mouth. It protects, lubricates, and buffers the mouth, and saliva helps people with speaking functions, digesting food, and flowing bacteria away from teeth to keep the mouth clean.
But for millions of people, it may feel like their mouths produce almost no moisture at all, possibly hindering these functions. These individuals may suffer from a health condition known as dry mouth, or Xerostomia, a feeling of inadequate saliva or dryness in the mouth. Now, Oasis® Moisturizing Mouthwash and Mouth Spray, from the makers of Sensodyne®, offer new solutions for those who suffer from dry mouth.
Dry mouth is an increasing problem for people in the U.S. Reports indicate that nearly one in four adults experience the condition, and 40 percent of those over the age of 55 suffer from dry mouth. It is often caused by medications, a variety of health conditions, and medical therapies, such as radiation and chemotherapy.
"Almost everyone has at one time or another experienced the feeling that some describe as 'cotton mouth.' Maybe it was caused by nervousness or public speaking, or from sleeping with your mouth open," said Harold Crossley, DDS, Ph.D., who suffers from dry mouth. "But chronic sufferers have symptoms that aren't fleeting and may affect their quality of life. Some may have a raw feeling that's similar to what you might experience after you burn the roof of your mouth with hot foods."
Until now, many sufferers have relied on constantly sipping water in hopes of finding momentary relief. However, it can be inconvenient to constantly carry water, and drinking so much often necessitates frequent trips to the bathroom, even during the middle of the night, which can disrupt sleep patterns. Some dry mouth sufferers have also resorted to sucking on candy in an attempt to add moisture. But fruit acids and sugars in candy may increase the risk of tooth decay because dry mouth sufferers may already have a decreased ability to neutralize these substances in their mouths.
"Many people may not be aware that there are effective ways to manage their dry mouth symptoms," said Crossley. "Oasis products offer lasting moisturization using a unique formula. It's great to finally see a product that really helps improve the quality of life for sufferers."
Try Tri-Hydra™
Oasis is different from short-lived solutions like water and candy. It provides lasting moisturization using patent-pending Tri-Hydra Technology. Oasis coats and moisturizes the mouth, locks in that moisture and protects the mouth from drying out for up to two hours. With Oasis, sufferers can avoid the inconvenience of carrying around packages of candy or bulky bottles of water to manage their dry mouth. In addition, Oasis is alcohol-free, sugar-free and enamel-safe, so it won't harm a user's teeth.
Why So Dry?
The most common cause of dry mouth is medication use. In fact, the likelihood of someone suffering from dry mouth increases with the number of medications they take regularly. And there are more than 400 common medications that can cause dry mouth, including prescription blood pressure medications, antidepressants, sedatives, pain killers, muscle relaxants and diuretics. These include common over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants, which are often used to treat allergies and colds. Cancer treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, can result in dry mouth as well.
Some people are more likely to be affected by dry mouth than others. It is often a side effect of diseases that affect a large segment of the population, such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, and Sjögren's syndrome. Other conditions associated with dry mouth include hypertension, Parkinson's disease and stroke.
While Oasis was developed specifically to help chronic sufferers, the product can also be used occasionally by those who may feel parched only in specific situations. For example, Oasis can be a useful companion for public speakers and broadcasters who experience temporary dryness from prolonged speaking. For those who regularly get a "cotton mouth" sensation from nervousness, Oasis can provide the moisturization they need to feel more confident.
More than a Feeling
The implications of dry mouth go beyond the irritating physical feeling and can affect a sufferer's quality of life. Constantly consumed by the hassle of treating their dry mouth, sufferers often worry about treating their symptoms to avoid awkward moments in social situations. Many of those with dry mouth may lose the ability to taste their favorite foods, speak clearly, and may consistently have bad breath. They also tend to have difficulty swallowing, experience sudden coughing, and may feel anxious when dry mouth occurs.
"Saliva plays a significant role in oral hygiene by helping the mouth fight infection, protect teeth from decay, and aid in food and speech-related functions," said Crossley. "Not only can dry mouth make sufferers feel very self-conscious, but it may also affect oral health and cause bad breath."
With Oasis products, sufferers can more effectively manage their dry mouth condition. Oasis Mouthwash can be used in the mornings or evenings, when the dry mouth feeling can be at its worst. Oasis Mouth Spray provides portable and convenient relief whenever it's needed throughout the day. Together, the products can be used as part of an effective oral hygiene program that enables sufferers to manage their symptoms, eliminate the embarrassment and annoyance of the condition, and feel confident in everyday situations. Oasis also offers a mild mint flavor to freshen breath and can be purchased over-the-counter at mass merchandisers, and drug and food stores nationwide.
Free Product Samples
Dry mouth sufferers can call 1-800-DRYMOUTH for a free brochure and Oasis product sample. For more information, visit www.oasisdrymouth.com
About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world's largest over-the-counter consumer healthcare products companies. Its more than 30 well-known brands include the leading smoking cessation products, Nicorette® and NicoDerm®, as well as many medicine cabinet staples, Abreva®, Aquafresh®, Sensodyne® and Tums®, which are trademarks owned by and/or licensed to GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies.
About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline, one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare companies, is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.
Contact Info
Mark Silvey, MARC PRmsilvey@marcusa.com OR 412.562.1187
Lori Lukus, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
lori.h.lukus@gsk.com OR 412.200.3543
Related Links
www.oasisdrymouth.comDry Mouth Fact Sheet
Oasis Fact Sheet
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