The number of new head and neck cancer incidences around the world is approximately 600,000+/− per year, with approximately 40,000+/− being within the US. Decreased or absent output from the salivary glands and the cells of membranous linings found within the mouth, throat and airway passages has been strongly linked, but is not limited to association with cancer treatments such as radiation and/or some chemotherapy agents, especially those treatments involving head and neck cancers. There is also a significant population of survivors who suffer cancer treatment/radiation induced xerostomia of a permanent nature. Xerostomia (dry mouth) is one of the most widely cited manifestations associated with cancer treatments of the head and neck resulting in decreased salivary gland output.
Saliva production typically begins to decrease very soon after the start of head and/or neck radiation therapy, often within the very first week. This reduction in salivary function continues declining as the treatment progresses. The extent of damage that occurs to the moisture producing capabilities of the salivary glands and functioning of the cells of the membranous linings that lubricate the throat and airways will vary, dependent upon the exact location of the area treated as well as the total dose of radiation that was delivered.
Dry mouth can also be caused by activity, exertion and certain medications or diseases such as Sjrojen's. While this type of dry mouth can be temporary, radiation-therapy-induced xerostomia can in some cases completely destroy salivary gland function, has no known cure at this time and is considered permanent after a certain point in recovery. This means that patients who received treatment for head, neck or chest related cancers likely have an affected ability to produce moisture within the oral cavity and will likely suffer with this condition for the remainder of their lives.
There are a wide variety of bio-engineered, herbal-based and synthetic products and solutions currently available for relief of symptoms of xerostomia. Some of these products may operate through simulation of salivary excretions and some through stimulation of remaining working salivary glands. These products include gums, mouthwashes, sprays, and toothpastes, etc. . . . . While these solutions may offer some relief there are still problems. For example many of these are effective for only short periods, may have limitations upon number of times recommended to be used per day, must be carried and/or applied, may have taste, textures, an oily or otherwise unnatural feel in the mouth. Additionally, the increase or introduction of actual environmental moisture delivered is generally minimal. And, the delivery of the solutions can fail to reach all aspects of oral cavity and may not provide sufficient hydrating lubrication in the form of moisture that is delivered to the membranous linings of airways. Additionally, severe xerostomia can result in water overload causing feelings of stomach fullness and/or may even be the cause of hyponatremia. It would therefore be desirable to have an oral hydrating system that is convenient, and may be used as often as user wishes, as many times per day without limit as needed.