Dry-Mouth (Xerostomia): The saliva produced in your mouth has important functions in lubrication of mucosa and foods, digestion of foods, and protection of teeth. Three pairs or salivary glands, and 800-1000 minor salivary glands secrete saliva into the mouth. Dry mouth as a result of a reduced salivary flow is a very common complaint by patients.

A temporary reduction in salivary output can result as a consequence of fear / stress of a particular situation.

Common causes of dry mouth:

1. Older age
2. Medications (anti-hypertensives, anti-depressants, anti-histamines and many more)
3. Dehydration
4. Diabetes
5. Sjögrens Syndrome – a disease affecting the glands that produce saliva and tears.
6. Radiotheraphy to the head and neck region – damaging the salivary glands
7. Mouth breathing
8. Smoking / Alcohol

Effects of a dry mouth:

• Patients feel thirsty
• The comfort of chewing, eating talking is affected
• Swallowing harder
• Speech and sleep may be affected
• Comfort / retention of dentures
• Poorer taste / bad breath
• Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease
• Burning sensation of mucosa

Management

• Ideally includes managing the underlying cause (example: changing medication).
• Drinking plenty of water and sucking ice.
• Sugar-free chewing gum.
• Reducing caffeine / alcohol thereby reducing dehydration.
• Petroleum jelly / olive oil to lips and oral mucosa to reduce cracking from drying
• Saliva substitutes (sprays / gels) – commercially available / prescribed
• Mouth washes / stronger fluoride toothpastes to reduce of risk of tooth decay.
• Prescribed medication – in selected cases Pilocarpine may be an option.