 |
 |
Register to receive samples and special offers, customize your experience
on our site and/or receive the Dental-Professional E-Newsletter.
More
Login
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a subjective sensation that may be caused by a
decrease in saliva production. It affects millions of people in the United
States, particularly women and the elderly.1 Approximately 10
percent of the general population experiences dry mouth on a daily basis, and
this figure increases to 25 percent in elderly populations.2
It is common for non-sufferers to discount the effects of xerostomia, but for
people living with the condition, the problems are very real. Saliva is a vital
component of such everyday processes as tasting, swallowing, speech and
digestion. It also helps defend against tooth decay and bacterial, fungal and
viral infections.3 Common signs and symptoms of severe xerostomia
may include1,4: tooth decay, gingivitis, a burning sensation in the
mouth, yeast infections, inability to wear dentures, inability to eat certain
foods, diminished sense of taste, increased susceptibility to infection and
sleep interruptions due to thirst.
Dry mouth is associated with a number of medical conditions and, in extreme
cases, diseases. Such conditions include: 1,3 dehydration, smoking,
anxiety, aging, pregnancy, stress, hypertension and depression. And diseases
can include:1,3 Sjögren's syndrome, sarcoidosis, diabetes
mellitus, HIV, chronic active hepatitis, Parkinson's disease.
In fact, there are more than 400 medications that can adversely affect saliva
production.5 Common types of medication that can cause dry mouth
include: cancer treatments, diuretics, antidepressants, antihistamines,
antihypertensives, sedatives and muscle relaxants.
Research shows that dry mouth sufferers often don't mention the condition to
their oral health care providers. But by proactively questioning patients,
dental professional can help identify dry mouth sufferers, and recommend a
number of measures to help patients with dry mouth be more comfortable. This
can include switching to an alternate medication1, avoiding caffeinated drinks5
and tobacco products5, stimulating salivary flow with products such
as certain sugar-free hard candies or sugar-free gum1 and/or using
over-the-counter moisturizing products which work as artificial saliva.3
For more information on the clinicals and research, continuing education and
journal resources associated with dry mouth, click a topic at right.
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|