What is Xerostomia?
Xerostomia is defined as dry mouth that results from reduced or absence of salivary flow. Dry mouth in itself is not a disease, rather, it is a symptom of many different medical conditions.
Xerostomia is most common in adults and prevalent in approximately 20% of our elderly population.
There are several things that can cause to dry mouth:
- Head and neck radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Medications
- Medical Conditions
- Sjogrens Syndrome
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Anemia
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Dehydration
Although dry mouth is a symptom, other symptoms are often associated with dry mouth.
- Frequent thirst
- Burning tongue
- Inflamed and cracked lips
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Problems eating and swallowing
- Sore throat
- Halitosis (Bad breath)
- Difficulty wearing dentures or partials
- Repeated infections
- Oral Candidiasis (Thrush)
- Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)
- Caries (Cavities)
How do we treat it?
To manage these symptoms we first try to identify the cause and minimize if possible. Often little can be done to alter the cause; therefore, we try to make the patient as comfortable as possible.
The first line of defense is to stimulate saliva. This can be accomplished by several means. Sugarless gum and breath mints, especially those containing Xylitol (What is Xylitol?) are viable options. Patients must be very careful in choosing products that are sugar free. The combination of a dry mouth and added sugar or acids create a perfect combination to promote decay.
To help control decay and replenish moisture several over-the-counter products are available. ACT, Listerine Total Care Zero and Listerine Smart Rinse are all fluoride mouth rinses. These products help slow the decay rate and minimize future decay. Biotene products are directed toward dry mouth patients. Biotene comes in different mediums including a gel (Dr. Gawthrop’s favorite!), a tooth paste and a mouth rinse. This particular rinse is very viscous and helps the tissue to feel better as well as adding increased salivary flow. With dry mouth, patients want to avoid alcohol containing mouth rinses as these can exacerbate the dry mouth effect.
Dentists often prescribe a stronger fluoride toothpaste when a high decay rate is discovered. These can be specifically designed for dry mouth and offer a higher concentration of fluoride. Your dentist may also prescribe Chlorhexidine (an antimicrobial rinse) to reduce the bacteria in your mouth which ultimately can lead to decay.
For patients suffering from dry mouth, cleaning well by brushing, flossing and rinsing with a fluoride mouth rinse is a necessity. The cleaner the mouth, the less bacteria will be present.
If you are suffering with dry mouth consult your Dentist or Dental Hygienist, together we can help design a plan to relieve dry mouth symptoms and maintain a healthy oral environment to prevent decay.
Kim Powell, RDH
