Dry Mouth/Xerostomia
- What is Dry mouth/Xerostomia?
- What are the causes for Dry mouth or Xerostomia?
- Which medications cause Dry mouth or Xerostomia?
- What is Sjögren’s syndrome?
- How does Dr. Ram evaluate me?
- What are the available treatments?
What is Dry mouth/Xerostomia?
Dry mouth, usually called ‘xerostomia’ (zeer-oh-stomia), is a common symptom most often caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva or a change in the quality of saliva.
What are the causes for Dry mouth or Xerostomia?
Dry mouth is typically caused by a multitude of factors including:
- Medication side effects
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Head & neck irradiation
- Dehydration
- Surgery
- Smoking
- Mouth breathing.
Which medications cause Dry mouth or Xerostomia?
Over 1100 medications, either prescription or over the counter, have the potential to cause dry mouth (Table below). It has been reported that taking more than one medication with dry mouth as a side effect increases one’s probability of experiencing dry mouth and / or its severity. Some medications are more drying than others. Dr. Ram may recommend you speak with your physician to determine if adjusting or changing your medications could help reduce your dry mouth.
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Antiacne agents |
Bronchodilators |
What is Sjögren’s syndrome?
Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition characterized by dry mouth and dry eyes. Other potential symptoms include debilitating fatigue and joint pain. An estimated 1 - 4 million people are affected by the syndrome and women are affected nine times more frequently than men. Sjögren’s syndrome can affect any age group but most patients are diagnosed in their early 50’s. It is not unusual for their dryness symptoms to have existed for years prior to the diagnosis. Oral dryness in these patients my progress up to point and then level off; or it may progressively worsen. Further information on this important disease is available at the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation website:
How does Dr. Ram evaluate me?
Dr. Ram, the specialist in this area, will listen to your history and perform a thorough clinical examination and measure your salivary flow rates or perform a minor salivary gland biopsy (taking a small sample of tissue) and will provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. If you have dry eyes and joint pain or rheumatoid arhtritis then Dr. Ram will refer you to a Rheumatologist to rule out Sjogren’s syndrome.
What are the available treatments?
Management of dry mouth involves changing your current medications which may be causing the dry mouth. This is done in consultation with your Physician. Dry mouth can also be managed using over the counter alcohol free rinses, gels and gums or by taking frequent sips of water. A few patients will require medications that increase secretion such as Evoxac® or Salagen® to manage the dry mouth.It is important that you avoid sugary foods and drinks as this may increase the risk for dental caries. It is essential that you see your Dentist or Dental Hygienist routinely to maintain good oral hygiene.