Aspects of the invention include a sustained release
dosage form that can be administered to an
oral cavity, e.g., the mouth. In certain embodiments, the sustained release
dosage form is formulated as a lozenge or gum that may be administered to an
oral cavity of a user for the purpose of dissolving over a prolonged period of time and thereby delivering an
essential oil component therein. In certain embodiments, the sustained release
dosage form includes a beneficial agent and, therefore, not only provides for the prolonged delivery of an
essential oil component to an
oral cavity, but also provides for the sustained release of a beneficial agent thereto. In certain embodiments, the sustained release dosage form includes a biocompatible, water-insoluble
polymer, e.g., ethylcellulose and an
essential oil component, which are combined in such a manner so as to produce a dosage form that substantially dissolves over a prolonged period of time when positioned within an aqueous environment, such as an oral cavity of a user. In certain embodiments, the sustained release dosage form may include an additional
water soluble agent, such as
gum arabic, which may be included so as to further provide the dosage form with a desired
dissolution characteristic. In certain embodiments, the dosage form may also include a beneficial agent to be delivered to the mouth. Methods of formulating such dosage forms and administering them to an oral cavity for the treatment of an adverse condition are also provided herein.