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The Functions of Saliva
- Lubricates to support speech and mastication1
- Hydrates oral tissues to preserve and protect the oral mucosa2
- Supports taste function1
- Cleanses the mouth and removes debris2,3
- Maintains oral ecology by performing antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities2
- Remineralizes teeth2
- Assists with digestion-through buffering of the upper GI region2
Signs of Dry Mouth May Include1,4:
- Absence of saliva
- Frothy saliva
- Angular cheilitis
- Dental caries
Symptoms of Dry Mouth May Include2,4:
- Trouble speaking
- Trouble eating
- Discomfort wearing dentures
- Oral dryness
- Burning tongue
- Are you taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications?4
- Does your mouth feel dry or uncomfortable?1
- Do you feel like food doesn't taste the same as it used to?4
- Do you need to sip water often or do you wake up at night because you're thirsty?4
- Do you sometimes have trouble eating?4
Medications4
- Analgesics (pain medications)
- Anticholinergics (antispasmodic for the urinary tract)
- Antidepressants
- Anti-inflammatory agents (such as ibuprofen)
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs
- Antihypertensives
- Stomach acid pump inhibitors
- Cold and cough medications
- Allergy medications
- Sleep aids
Conditions1
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Depression
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. J Am Dent Assoc. 2003;134:61-69.
- Cassolato SF, Turnbull RS. Xerostomia: clinical aspects and treatment. Gerodontology. 2003;20:64-77.
- ADA Web site. Oral health topics A-Z. Dry mouth overview. Available at: http://www.ada.org/public/topics/dry-mouth.asp. Accessed December 28, 2005.
- Sreebny LM, Schwartz SS. A reference guide to drugs and dry mouth-2nd edition. Gerodontology. 1997;14:33-47
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