Saliva is very important for oral health. Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a condition that concerns dentists. People with xerostomia often have a very high rate of tooth decay and infection. Patients may not notice that their mouth is dry or even have any symptoms. Others may notice slight dryness or irritation to burning, bad breath, and excessive thirst. Another symptom is decreased taste. Often, dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) accompanies xerostomia; this is the hallmark of Sjögren's Syndrome. Dentists know how to recognize and treat this condition.
Xerostomia has a variety of causes. Over four hundred medications cause dry mouth as a side effect. Rheumatoid factor diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosis, and scleroderma include xerostomia or Sjögren's syndrome as a frequent symptom.
A simple and reliable test for xerostomia is to chew a small amount of flavorless paraffin for five minutes, spitting into a dose cup. Expectorating less than five milliliters of saliva in five minutes is diagnostic for dry mouth.
Treatment begins with increasing water intake. This is adequate treatment for many. Just rinsing with water without swallowing may be an effective palliative treatment for those who are aggravated by frequent trips to the restroom.
Artificial saliva is available over the counter and by prescription. This is a neutral rinse with moisturizers. Available as a spray, this is the perfect night stand accessory for someone afflicted with xerostomia. Additionally, artificial saliva is useful at the dinner table to smooth swallowing.
For those who suffer xerostomia due to medication, time or a change of medication may improve the situation. The dentist and physician should work together in this matter.
Intractable xerostomia may be treatable with medication such as pilocarpine. Pilocarpine improves the output of salivary and lacrimal (tear producing) glands. It takes weeks to begin to work. There is one annoying side effect; many find that pilocarpine increases the output of their sweat glands noticeably.
Author: Dr. David Leader
© 2008 Associated Content