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More than 1 of every 4 adults suffer from Xerostomia (dry mouth)6
Xerostomia is a distressing problem often caused by commonly dispensed and recommended drugs 6
Dry mouth-inducing medications can be found in 42 drug categories, including 6:
- Amphetamines
- Antianxiety agents
- Antiarrhythmics
- Antiasthma agents
- Anticholinergics
- Antidepressants
- Antiemetics
- Antihistamines
- Antihyperlipemics
- Antihypertensives
- Anti-inflammatory agents
- Antipsychotics
- Antitussives
- Antivirals
- Beta-blockers
- Bronchodilators
- Decongestants
- Diuretics
- Medication for
- Parkinson's disease
- Migraine preparations
- NSAIDs
- Seizure disorder medications
- Smoking cessation aids
- Vasodilators
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Xerostomia, also known as "dry mouth," is a subjective sensation that may be caused by a decrease in saliva production. It is estimated to affect millions of people in the United States, particularly women and the elderly.1 Current research indicates that approximately 1 in 4 adults suffer from dry mouth and this figure increases to 40 percent over the age of 55.2
Saliva is over 99% water, with the remaining 1% comprised of proteins and electrolytes.2 Yet saliva is also a vital component of a number of everyday processes. It lubricates to support speech and mastication.1 It hydrates oral tissues to preserve and protect the oral mucosa.3 It supports the taste function,1 and remineralizes teeth. It helps maintain oral ecology by performing antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities. And it even assists with digestion through buffering of the upper GI region.3
While proper saliva flow performs these benefits within the body, its reduction-- as found in severe cases of xerostomia-- can cause a number of signs and symptoms. These include 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.1,2 Halitosis is also a sign of xerostomia; as the flow of saliva decreases, particles that ordinarily would be removed by saliva remain, and can cause odor.4
Xerostomia ranges in severity, from a feeling of dryness to a complete lack of saliva.5
Click here to learn how Oasis helps manage dry mouth symptoms for your
patients suffering from xerostomia.
Sources:
- Guggenheimer J, Moore PA. Xerostomia: etiology, recognition and treatment. JADA. 2003;143:61-69.
- Fox, PC. Dry mouth: Managing the Symptoms and Providing Effective Relief. 9J Clin Dent 17 [Spec Iss]: 27-28, 2006.
- Cassolato SF, Turnbull RS. Xerostomia: clinical aspects and treatment. Gerodontology. 2003;20:64-77.
- ADA Web Site. Oral health topics A-Z. Bad breath (halitosis) Overview. Available at http://www.ada.org/public/topics/bad_breath.asp
- Fowler CE, Urquhart D, Review of the use of polymers in saliva substitutes for symptomatic relief of xerostomia. J Clin Dent 17 [Spec Iss]: 2006.
- Sreebny LM, Schwartz SS. A reference guide to drugs and dry mouthÑ2nd edition.Gerodontology. 1997;14:33-47
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