2009 VIP
Jo
Plymouth, MA

Biotene may not cause cancer in laboratory rats

4 star rating

concerned about oral hygiene., a lover of natural products, works hard on oral hygiene, have Sjogren's Syndrome, dry mouth from an autoimmune disorder
Pros

    doesn't have saccharin, it works, plastic bottle

Cons
    the taste

SEP
3
2007

Biotene Mouthwash with Calcium — 

To the Point

I reviewed Oasis, a mouthwash for dry mouth. Biotene was the very first product I used and it is the most well known. Oasis is a newer product. After I wrote this review it became clear that I will continue with Biotene.

A Closer View

As baby boomers age there are more products for dry mouth. Age is just one reason for dry mouth. Your dry mouth could be caused by medication you are on or an illness so please see a doctor if your dry mouth persists.

As I said I started with Biotene Mouthwash which the 16-ounce plastic bottle says it is the number one dentist recommended brand for dry mouth. This is true however as far as I know Laclede, Incorporated, makers of Biotene was the first company to market a whole host of products for dry mouth. Their mouth wash is just one of them.

Biotene claims (from the bottle) to have calcium; to have bio-active enzyme protection and to be alcohol free. These four enzymes are said to boost and restore the defense system that's found in saliva. These kill bacteria and have no side effects.

It has no alcohol. If you have dry mouth avoid any products with alcohol. Check your toothpaste!

We are told that we can use Biotene Mouthwash two to three times a day. I use it twice and am fine with that.

Now just to compare briefly - Oasis contains Sodium Saccharin and Biotene contains Xylitol. The verdict seems to still be out on the health risks saccharin poses. At one time it was listed as a substance that did cause cancer in laboratory rats; in another later study that was found not to be true.

Biotene contains Xylitol which is a naturally occurring sweetener found in berries. It seems to have less controversy around how safe it is.

The ingredients in Biotene are: Water, Xylitol, Hydrogenated Starch, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Aloe Vera, Natural Peppermint, Poloxamer 407, Calcium Lactate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid

I really would prefer to use an organic product but they don't seem to target dry mouth. I hadn't really read the ingredients. Now that I have I'll stick with Biotene. I don't love the taste Biotene but I'd rather not put saccharin in my body.

Jo's Viewpoint

I like it!



I_thumb_up Biotene Mouthwash with Calcium is recommended by Jo

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I_comment_shdw24 Comments about Jo’s Review

 


TunefulGal wrote on Nov 2, 2008 at 4:33PM

I appreciate your attention to detail, and I sure empathize about this dry mouth business.