Antifungal effect of supersaturated calcium-phosphate oral rinse in xerostomia

Objectives: The aim was to investigate the effect of supersaturated calcium-phosphate oral rinse (Caphosol) on oral yeast infection in patients with dry mouth. Methods: In patients with xerostomia (N=120) (aged 67-89) unstimulated (QnS) and stimulated whole saliva (QsS) was measured and swabs were taken from oral mucosa for yeast culture . Patients with positive yeast culture were randomly assigned into four treatment groups (study group-A and control groups- B, C, D): Group A was treated with Caphosol, Group B with a combination of Caphosol and myconazole oral gel, Group C with a solution of sodium bicarbonate, and Group D with only myconazole oral gel. Treatment was carried out for 2 weeks. Control yeast culture and the amount of whole saliva (QnS and QsS) were determined in each subject at baseline, after 7 and 14 days. Between-group analysis was carried by using ANOVA. Results: All patients had positive yeast culture regardless of whether they had hyposalivation (87.50%) or normal salivation (12, 50%). The magnitude of change in salivary volume was greatest in caphosol group and significantly different compared to sodium bicarbonate (p<0.01). for period baseline-14 days. Significant decrease in fungal infection was shown for caphosol vs sodium bicarbonate (p<0.01), combination Caphosol-myconazole oral gel vs sodium bicarbonate (p<0.001) and myconazole vs sodium bicarbonate (p<0.01) in periods baseline-7days and baseline-14 days. No significant differences were found between groups Caphosol, Caphosol-myconazole and myconazole. Conclusion: Supersaturated calcium-phosphate oral rinse (Caphosol) increases amount of saliva and significantly reduces oral fungal infection, in comparison to sodium bicarbonate. Compared with myconazole alone and in combination with, no significant differences were found. Relevance: Antifungal effect of Caphosol, makes it a promising alternative for the local treatment of oral candidiasis in patients with xerostomia, particular when use of imidazoles is contraindicated.