What are the treatment options for xerostomia?
Intraoral topical agents. Intraoral topical agents are among the most common recommended treatments for the management of xerostomia. These include chewing gums, saliva stimulants, and substitutes.
How is xerostomia diagnosed?
Diagnosis of xerostomia requires careful evaluation of signs and symptoms, with clinical extra-oral and intra-oral exami- nations, assessment of salivary gland function by measurement of resting and stimulated flow rates, and, in some cases, biopsy of minor salivary glands.
What is the definition of xerostomia?
Introduction. Xerostomia is defined as the subjective complaint of dry mouth. 1 Interestingly, patients complaining of xerostomia frequently do not show any objective sign of hyposalivation and their symptoms may be secondary to qualitative and/or quantitative changes in the composition of saliva.
How is xerostomia and salivary gland hypofunction diagnosed?
The diagnosis of xerostomia and salivary gland hypofunction requires a thorough medical history. Particular attention should be given to the reported symptoms, medication use, and past medical history.
Do ENT doctors treat dry mouth?
Treatment of dry mouth syndrome depends on each patient. Diagnosis of dry mouth is often based on a patient's history and physical examination. An ENT specialist can help figure out the cause of the dry mouth and see if the salivary glands are producing enough saliva.
Do you see a dentist for dry mouth?
It is very important that you inform your physician or dentist if you think you suffer from dry mouth. A lack of protective saliva can cause big problems for your teeth and gums. Depending on the cause of dry mouth, dentists can recommend appropriate treatment.
Can a doctor diagnose dry mouth?
If you think you may have dry mouth, a health care provider can help to determine what is causing it, and recommend the appropriate treatment. They can also look to see if you have any oral problems as a result.
What is the management of xerostomia?
Management and treatment of xerostomia Easy remedies are proper hydration; increase in humidity at night-time; avoidance of irritating dentifrices and crunchy/hard foods; and use of sugar-free chewing gums/candy. 38 Medications include mucosal lubricants, saliva substitutes, and saliva stimulants.
How do you stimulate saliva production?
Chewing and sucking help stimulate saliva flow. Try: Ice cubes or sugar-free ice pops. Sugar-free hard candy or sugarless gum that contains xylitol....These products may also help:Artificial saliva products to help you produce more saliva. ... Toothpastes and mouthwashes specially made for dry mouth.Lip balm.More items...•
Is dry mouth a serious problem?
Dry mouth isn't a serious medical condition on its own. However, it's sometimes a symptom of another underlying condition that requires treatment. It can also lead to complications, like tooth decay and mouth sores.
How is xerostomia diagnosed?
Diagnosis of xerostomia requires careful evaluation of signs and symptoms, with clinical extra-oral and intra-oral exami- nations, assessment of salivary gland function by measurement of resting and stimulated flow rates, and, in some cases, biopsy of minor salivary glands.
What is the most common cause of xerostomia?
[1] There are numerous causes of xerostomia; the most common cause is medication side effects, followed by Sjogren syndrome (SS) and radiotherapy and other autoimmune diseases in no particular order. Irrespective of a specific etiology, the patient's primary complaint is dry mouth.
What factor is most likely a cause of xerostomia?
Potential lifestyle causes of xerostomia include the use of alcohol or tobacco, or the consumption of excessive caffeine or spicy food.
What is the fastest way to cure dry mouth?
Vyas suggests the following:Stay hydrated. Drink sips of water throughout the day. ... Chew gum or suck on hard candy. ... Avoid alcohol, caffeine and acidic juices. ... Moisten your food. ... Don't smoke or use chewing tobacco. ... Use a humidifier. ... Brush your teeth after each meal. ... Talk to your doctor.
What is the difference between dry mouth and xerostomia?
Dry mouth is also called "xerostomia." It happens when the body's salivary glands do not make enough saliva, or spit, to keep the mouth moist. Saliva is needed for chewing, swallowing, tasting, and talking. A dry mouth can make these activities difficult or uncomfortable.
What foods stimulate saliva production?
In particular, the extra chewing forces involved with eating crunchy vegetables and fruits will trigger saliva production. These foods include carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, apples, and pears. Sucking on sugarless candy or chewing sugarless gum will also increase saliva production.
What is dry mouth syndrome?
A dryness of the mouth from salivary gland dysfunction, often seen in patients with Sjogren syndrome.
What is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision?
There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. 2. Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
How to diagnose dry mouth?
Diagnosis. To determine the cause of your dry mouth, your doctor likely will review your medical history and all medications you're taking, including over-the-counter medications, and examine your mouth. Sometimes you may need blood tests, imaging scans of your salivary glands or tests that measure how much saliva you produce to identify ...
How to help dry mouth?
In addition to the advice from your doctor, these tips may help relieve your dry mouth symptoms: Sip water or sugar-free drinks or suck ice chips throughout the day to moisten your mouth, and drink water during meals to aid chewing and swallowing.
What to do if your mouth is dry?
Your doctor or dentist may: Change medications that cause dry mouth. If your doctor believes medication to be the cause, he or she may adjust your dosage or switch you to another medication that doesn't cause a dry mouth. Recommend products to moisturize your mouth.
What to do before a dental appointment?
What you can do. Before your appointment, make a list of: Any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment. Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes, which may contribute to dry mouth. All prescribed medications, vitamins, herbs, ...
What is the best mouthwash for dry mouth?
Mouthwashes designed for dry mouth, especially ones with xylitol, can be effective, such as Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse or Act Dry Mouth Mouthwash, which also offer protection against tooth decay. If you have severe dry mouth, your doctor or dentist may: Prescribe medication that stimulates saliva.
What is the attention paid to xerostomia?
Attention is paid to xerostomia as substantiation of the separate diagnosis and its role in diagnosing other diseases. The concept of possible treatment modalities and prognosis are discussed. The main and most common problems concerning xerostomia are revealed.
What are the causes of xerostomia?
The most common etiological factors causing xerostomia, especially the main three of them: radiation therapy, Sjögren's syndrome, and drugs, are pointed out. The most popular and accepted clinical and laboratory assays for measuring and evaluating the function of salivary glands are represented. Attention is paid to xerostomia as substantiation ...
How prevalent is xerostomia?
The prevalence of xerostomia in the population ranges from 5.5% to 46%. Studies have shown differences in the prevalence between the sexes and xerostomia appears to increase with increasing age. A possible explanation is that older individuals take several xerogenic drugs for their chronic conditions and this may lead to an overall reduction of the unstimulated salivary flow rate.1,10,12,14–18Xerostomia remains an unresolved common complaint especially among the geriatric population, despite seeking medical or dental consultation.19The aim of this review is to explore the current state of knowledge on management and treatment of patients affected by xerostomia and hyposalivation.
What is xerostomia in the mouth?
Xerostomia is defined as the subjective complaint of dry mouth. 1Interestingly, patients complaining of xerostomia frequently do not show any objective sign of hyposalivation and their symptoms may be secondary to qualitative and/or quantitative changes in the composition of saliva.2,3The normal stimulated salivary flow rate averages 1.5–2.0 mL/min while the unstimulated salivary flow rate is approximately 0.3–0.4 mL/min.4,5A diagnosis of hyposalivation is made when the stimulated salivary flow rate is ≤0.5–0.7 mL/min and the unstimulated salivary flow rate is ≤0.1 mL/min.5–7Xerostomia in patients with objective hyposalivation is diagnosed when the rate of saliva flow is less than the rate of fluid absorption across the oral mucosa plus the rate of fluid evaporation from the mouth.8
What are the effects of xerostomia?
In particular, it may affect speech, chewing, swallowing, denture-wearing, and general well-being .9Xerostomia secondary to hyposalivation may also result in rampant dental caries, oral fungal infections (eg, candidiasis), taste changes, halitosis, or burning mouth .5,10,11The most frequent cause of hyposalivation is the use of certain medications (such as anticoagulants, antidepressants, antihypertensives, antiretrovirals, hypoglycemics, levothyroxine, multivitamins and supplements, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and steroid inhalers) (Villa et al, unpublished data, 2014), followed by radiotherapy to the head and neck, and Sjögren’s syndrome.12Other factors include depression, anxiety and stress, or malnutrition.13
What tests can you use to diagnose dry mouth?
A doctor may also turn to other diagnostic tools — like saliva production tests and blood tests — to help determine if your dry mouth is the side effect of another medical illness. Once a doctor diagnoses you with dry mouth, the next step is coming up with a plan to deal with it.
How to treat dry mouth?
A doctor or dentist might recommend a specific artificial saliva product to help with the symptoms of dry mouth. They typically come in toothpaste, mouth, and gel forms. Prescription drugs are also available for treating dry mouth.
Can you take a prescription for dry mouth?
Prescription drugs are also available for treating dry mouth. You should discuss all available options with your doctor or dentist to understand the potential side effects of the treatments on your health — including how the product might interact with any other prescribed medications. When to See a Doctor.
How do you know if you have xerostomia?
Individuals with xerostomia complain of problems with eating, speaking, swallowing, and wearing dentures. They may experience difficulty in eating dry foods, wearing dentures for a long period of time, or speaking without taking frequent sips of water.
What is Xerostomia?
Xerostomia: Diagnosis and Management. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common complaint that may be caused by several conditions, which include side effects of a wide variety of drugs, such as antidepressants, therapeutic radiation to the head and neck, ABSTRACT: Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common complaint that may be caused by several ...
Can xerostomia cause sticky mucosa?
In an individual with xerostomia, the mucosa may be dry and sticky, with the saliva appearing stringy or foamy. There may be little or no pooled saliva in the floor of the mouth, and it may be difficult to express saliva from the ducts of the major salivary glands.