With many patients unaware they have dry mouth, privately held K Pharmaceuticals has introduced the “first ever” in-office Personalized Xerostomia Protocol (PXP) tool to assist dentists in identifying and managing the condition.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, the PXP is designed for use with every patient at every appointment. It provides clear guidelines and an easy-to-follow method to identify and educate patients on dry mouth symptoms. Crucially, the PXP also facilitates re-evaluating therapy based on patients’ evolving health needs.
‘Silent pandemic’
“Ironically, many individuals suffering from dry mouth remain unaware of their condition,” said Melissa Turner, BASDH, RDHEP, EFDA, a leading registered dental hygienist and dental brand strategist. “Xerostomia has become a silent pandemic that can be detrimental to our patients’ systemic health, often diminishing their quality of life.”
The PXP tool was developed in partnership with Turner, who emphasized its role in heightening awareness among dental professionals and patients. “The PXP seeks to propel the conversation forward and enable us to stand together for xerostomia relief,” she added.
Rise in dry mouth cases
The protocol’s launch comes amid a documented rise in dry mouth cases, a condition once primarily associated with the elderly or disease-related xerostomia. According to the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, prevalence is at least 20 per cent in the general population, with increased prevalence in females (up to 30 per cent) and the elderly (up to 50 per cent). In the United States, xerostomia affects an estimated 30 per cent of patients older than 65 years and up to 40 per cent of patients older than 80 years, according to the American Dental Association. Additionally, the increase is also due to side effects of most medications including trending weight loss drugs, use of CPAP machines, and the rising use of marijuana.
What inspired the new PXP?
The release of the PXP follows the 2023 launch of K Pharmaceuticals’ flagship product, Aquoral Protective Oral Spray for Dry Mouth Relief. Aquoral, a patented lipid-based formulation, creates a protective barrier on the oral mucosa that remains intact after eating or drinking, making it an effective complement to existing xerostomia therapies.
“Many have described Aquoral as a transformative product, which inspired the development of our new PXP,” said Bennett Blakeman, CEO of K Pharmaceuticals. “Our mission is to ensure communities no longer have to suffer from this preventable condition or its often detrimental systemic effects.”
