Biotene
Encyclopedia
Biotene is a dental hygiene
product manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline
. It comes in a number of forms, including toothpaste, mouthwash and cream.
In addition to the active ingredient sodium monofluorophosphate
in its toothpastes, all the products contain enzymes including glucose oxidase
, lactoferrin
, lactoperoxidase
and lysozyme
. The PBF (plaque biofilm
) products also contain the enzymes mutanase and dextranase.
Patients with xerostomia
(dry mouth) may use Biotene to reduce the rate of recurrence of dental plaque
. However, Biotene by itself does not significantly reduce the count of Streptococcus mutans
which is the primary initiator of the formation of dental plaque.
Biotene products may not be suitable for those with GERD
. Though not necessarily indicated on the label, many of the Biotene products contain peppermint oil. Peppermint oil relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When the LES is relaxed, acid reflux will increase. Over a prolonged period, use of products which contain mint oil can severely increase GERD pain and esophageal erosion.
Dental Hygiene
Dental Hygiene is a 1980 Iranian short film directed by Abbas Kiarostami....
product manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline plc is a global pharmaceutical, biologics, vaccines and consumer healthcare company headquartered in London, United Kingdom...
. It comes in a number of forms, including toothpaste, mouthwash and cream.
In addition to the active ingredient sodium monofluorophosphate
Sodium monofluorophosphate
Sodium monofluorophosphate, commonly abbreviated MFP, is the inorganic compound with the formula Na2PO3F. Typical for a salt, MFP is odourless, colourless, and water-soluble. This salt is an ingredient in some toothpastes.-Uses of MFP:...
in its toothpastes, all the products contain enzymes including glucose oxidase
Glucose oxidase
The glucose oxidase enzyme is an oxido-reductase that catalyses the oxidation of glucose to hydrogen peroxide and D-glucono-δ-lactone. In cells, it aids in breaking the sugar down into its metabolites....
, lactoferrin
Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin , also known as lactotransferrin , is a multifunctional protein of the transferrin family. Lactoferrin is a globular glycoprotein with a molecular mass of about 80 kDa that is widely represented in various secretory fluids, such as milk, saliva, tears, and nasal secretions...
, lactoperoxidase
Lactoperoxidase
Lactoperoxidase is a peroxidase enzyme secreted from mammary, salivary, and other mucosal glands that functions as a natural antibacterial agent. Lactoperoxidase is a member of the heme peroxidase family of enzymes. In humans, lactoperoxidase is encoded by the LPO gene.Lactoperoxidase catalyzes...
and lysozyme
Lysozyme
Lysozyme, also known as muramidase or N-acetylmuramide glycanhydrolase, are glycoside hydrolases, enzymes that damage bacterial cell walls by catalyzing hydrolysis of 1,4-beta-linkages between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues in a peptidoglycan and between...
. The PBF (plaque biofilm
Biofilm
A biofilm is an aggregate of microorganisms in which cells adhere to each other on a surface. These adherent cells are frequently embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substance...
) products also contain the enzymes mutanase and dextranase.
Patients with xerostomia
Xerostomia
Xerostomia is the medical term for the subjective complaint of dry mouth due to a lack of saliva. Xerostomia is sometimes colloquially called pasties, cottonmouth, drooth, or doughmouth. Several diseases, treatments, and medications can cause xerostomia. It can also be exacerbated by smoking or...
(dry mouth) may use Biotene to reduce the rate of recurrence of dental plaque
Dental plaque
Dental plaque is a biofilm, usually a pale yellow, that develops naturally on the teeth. Like any biofilm, dental plaque is formed by colonizing bacteria trying to attach themselves to a smooth surface...
. However, Biotene by itself does not significantly reduce the count of Streptococcus mutans
Streptococcus mutans
Streptococcus mutans is a facultatively aerobic, Gram-positive coccus-shaped bacterium commonly found in the human oral cavity and is a significant contributor to tooth decay.The microbe was first described by J Kilian Clarke in 1924.-Introduction:...
which is the primary initiator of the formation of dental plaque.
Biotene products may not be suitable for those with GERD
Gerd
In Norse mythology, Gerðr is a jötunn, goddess, and the wife of the god Freyr. Gerðr is attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources; the Prose Edda and Heimskringla, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson; and in the poetry of skalds...
. Though not necessarily indicated on the label, many of the Biotene products contain peppermint oil. Peppermint oil relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When the LES is relaxed, acid reflux will increase. Over a prolonged period, use of products which contain mint oil can severely increase GERD pain and esophageal erosion.
External links
- Biotene web site
- Biotene UK web site
- http://peppermint-oils.com/peppermint-oil-side-effects/