Betaine-containing toothpaste relieves subjective symptoms of dry mouth

Abstract

Subjects with dry mouth often experience irritation of the oral mucosa when using sodium lauryl sulfate containing products for oral hygiene. Betaine, or trimethylglycine, reduces skin-irritating effects of ingredients of cosmetics such as sodium lauryl sulfate. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of a betaine-containing toothpaste with a regular toothpaste on the oral microbial flora, the condition of the oral mucosa, and subjective symptoms of dry mouth in subjects with chronic dry mouth symptoms. Thirteen subjects with chronic dry mouth symptoms and with a paraffin-stimulated salivary flow rate < or = 1 mL/min participated in the double-blind crossover study. Ten subjects had a very low salivary flow rate (< or = 0.6 mL/min). The subjects used both experimental toothpastes (with or without 4% betaine) twice a day for 2 weeks. Oral examinations and microbiologic sample collections were made at the base lines preceding the two experimental periods and at the end. Standardized questions on subjective symptoms of dry mouth were used when the subjects were interviewed at the end of the two experimental periods. No study-induced significant changes were observed in the microbiologic variables (plaque index, mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, Candida species) or in the appearance of the oral mucosa. The use of the betaine-containing toothpaste was, however, associated with a significant relief of several subjective symptoms of dry mouth. Betaine appears thus to be a promising ingredient of toothpastes in general and especially of toothpastes designed for patients with dry mouth.

Betaine reduces the irritating effect of sodium lauryl sulfate on human oral mucosa in vivo

“…Our earlier study (18) suggested that betaine-containing SLS toothpaste could reduce subjective sensations of dry mouth. The xerostomic patients preferred the betainecontaining toothpaste to the placebo toothpaste representing ordinary commercially available SLS toothpastes (18).…”

“…It diminishes the skin-irritating properties of various ingredients used in cosmetics; for example, detergents (17). Betaine, when added to the SLS-containing toothpaste, reduces the irritating effects of SLS and relieves subjective symptoms of dry mouth (18). Furthermore, betaine is an osmoprotectant in bacteria, plants, and animals, and it protects cell components against harsh conditions in vitro (19).…”

The Effect of a Combination Saliva Substitute for the Management of Xerostomia and Hyposalivation

“…Betaine is an amino acid derivative, obtained from sugar beet molasses during sugar production. Orally, it functions as an osmoprotectant and has been found to decrease chemical irritation and mechanical abrasions [25]. Olive oil has many properties helpful in ameliorating oral conditions commonly found in dry mouth patients including antimicrobial properties, lubrication, antiinflammatory, and anti-caries activities [26][27][28][29].…”

Functional foods/ingredients and oral mucosal diseases

“…In this regard, betaine or trimethylglycine has been successfully used instead of sodium lauryl sulphate [28]. In a randomized controlled 6-week trial, 44% of patients with dry mouth reported relief of the symptom in the betaine group in comparison with 18% of patients receiving sodium lauryl sulphatecontaining toothpaste [23].…”