Assessing the Efficacy of a Carbamide Peroxide Mouthwash for Oral Wound Healing, Oral Hygiene and Xerostomia Relief

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a carbamide peroxide mouthwash regarding oral wound healing, postoperative symptoms, xerostomia (dry mouth) and oral hygiene improvement. Study participants have reported dry mouth and are scheduled for a diagnostic biopsy of minor labial salivary glands to investigate Sjögren's Syndrome, following consultation with their rheumatologist. This is a standardized diagnostic procedure that leads to healing by primary intention (i.e. wound edges are closely re-approximated with sutures). Researchers are comparing this mouthwash with a placebo (a look-and-taste-alike substance that contains no active ingredients) to see if it is helpful with healing of wounds in the mouth and associated symptoms, improving dry mouth and/or oral hygiene. Carbamide peroxide breaks down to hydrogen peroxide and urea and shows antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and it might help with the parameters to be assessed. Participants randomly get the carbamide peroxide mouthwash or the placebo one to use for 14 days after the biopsy. The investigators will not know which one they are providing as the bottles will be identical. Oral wound healing, postoperative symptoms (such as pain, eating and speech difficulties), oral hygiene (dental plaque and gingival inflammation), improvement of dry mouth and quality of life are assessed during a 14-day period after the biopsy. Participants are required to visit the clinic three times, one for the initial consultation and the biopsy, one at 7 days and one at 14 days after the biopsy. They are asked to fill in some questionnaires, while certain procedures (such as measuring saliva) and assessments (like evaluating the dental plaque and gingival inflammation) take place. During the first week they, also, keep a diary of their symptoms, as instructed.