Evaluation of environmental change in the mouth with the use of spray-type oral moisturizer containing γ-PGA

ObjectiveThis study was to evaluate the effect of new spray-type oral moisturizer containing poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA). γ-PGA can be classified as a pseudopolyamino acid, which contains only repeated glutamate units. The hygroscopic and moisturizing effects of γ-PGA were compared with HA. Cross-linked γ-PGA could absorb thousands of times more water than its own weight.Methods102 volunteers were randomly allocated to experimental and control groups. The experimental group (50 subjects) used this new moisturizer, the control group I (20 subjects) used sterile distilled water at normal temperature, and the control group II (32 subjects) used nothing. In experimental group, the effect of moisturizer was investigated by measuring amylase activity (salivary amylase monitor®), oral moisture (Mucus®), stimulated salivary flow rates at predetermine times (Saxon test).ResultsIn the amylase activity and the oral moisture, there was not a significant difference in all groups. In the stimulated salivary flow rates, there was a significant difference. When we compared the experimental group with the control group I, an increase was admitted at after 30 min (p < 0.05). When we compared the experimental group with the control group II, an increase was admitted at after 10 (p < 0.01), 20 (p < 0.05), 30 min (p < 0.05).ConclusionsNew moisturizer was able to improve the environment in the mouth. Oral application of γ-PGA has a possibility to be a therapeutic strategy for treating Xerostomia.