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Dry Mouth

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Dry Mouth, Xerostomia, Salivary Hypofunction, Decreased Saliva Secretion

  • See Also
  1. Medication Causes of Dry Eyes
  • Definition
  1. Decreased Saliva production
  1. Re-mineralizes enamel
  2. Buffers cariogenic acids
  3. Removes food residue
  4. Inhibits Bacterial growth
  • Causes
  1. See Medication Causes of Dry Eyes
  2. Radiation Therapy to head and neck
  3. Salivary Gland surgery
  4. Sjogren's Syndrome
  5. Amyloidosis
  6. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV Infection)
  7. Hepatitis C
  8. Diabetes Mellitus
  9. Major Depression
  10. Mouth breathing (e.g. obstructed nares)
  11. Granulomatous Disease
    1. Sarcoidosis
    2. Tuberculosis
    3. Leprosy
  • Management
  1. Consider stopping offending medication
  2. Commercial Saliva substitute (typically carboxymethylcellulose, mucin or Glycerine)
  3. Directly apply fluoride to teeth and in Toothpaste
    1. Use 1.1% Fluoride gel daily
    2. Fluoride toothpaste
    3. Fluoride rinses
  4. Scrupulous dental care is essential
    1. See Dentist regularly
  5. Saliva stimulation
    1. Sugar-free chewing gum (esp. Xylitol containing gums)
    2. Lemon lozenges
  6. Consider Muscarinic Agonists in severe refractory Xerostomia of Sjogren's Syndrome
    1. Pilocarpine (Salagen)
    2. Cevimeline (Evoxac)
  • References
  1. Daniels in Goldman (2000) Cecil Medicine, p. 2245