introduction

Xerostomia (dry mouth): Defined by Dr. Huchinson,1898. Is not a disease but a symptom caused by many factors. Not all people who complains of xerostomia actually has salivary gland dysfunction.

Salivary Flow
The average person produces approximately 0.5 L 1.5 L per day (approximately 3 pints) Salivary flow: Peaks in the afternoon Decreases at night when the major salivary glands are less active

Symptoms
Symptoms:
Oral dryness (most common)
halitosis

Burning sensation

Loss of sense of taste or bizarre taste

 Difficulty in swallowing

Tongue tends to stick to the palate

Decreased retention of denture

Signs:

Saliva pool disappear Mucosa: dry or glossy Duct orifices: viscous and opaque saliva Tongue: glossitis fissured red with papilla atrophy Angular cheilitis Rampant caries: cervical or cusp tip Periodontitis Candidiasis

XEROSTOMIA: Epidemiology
Factors that Affect Salivary Flow
Over 400 Medications Can Produce the Side Effect of Xerostomia7
Antacid Antianxiety Anticholinergic Anticonvulsant Antidepressant Antiemetic Antihistamine Antihypertensive Antiparkinsonian Antipsychotic Bronchodilator Cholesterol reducing Decongestant Diet pills Diuretic Hormonal replacement therapy Muscle relaxant Narcotic analgesic Sedative

Etiology
Aging Foods & drugs Systemic factors Radiotherapy Sjogrens syndrome Other salivary gland diseases

Xerostomia and diabetes

Dry mouth is the term used to describe a lack of moisture in the mouth, which can be brought on by diabetes and its symptoms in particular. Saliva plays an important part in the mouth by acting to control levels of bacteria as well as neutralizing and washing away acid around teeth and gums. Consistently high blood sugar levels is a common reason for dry mouth in people with diabetes. There are over 500 prescription and nonprescription medications that have been found to cause dry mouth. Medications that treat high blood pressure or other heart problems are used by many patients to manage complications of diabetes.

Risk Factors for Xerostomia

A side effect of certain diseases and infections:

Sjgren's syndrome Sarcoidosis HIV/AIDS Alzheimer's disease Diabetes Anemia Cystic fibrosis Crohns disease

Systemic Lupus Erythematosis Rheumatoid arthritis Hypertension Parkinson's disease Stroke Mumps Scleroderma Hepatitis

Diagnosis
History taking Symptoms & clinical examination Special investigations
Salivary flow rate, SFR Salivary scintiscanning Sialochemical analysis & laboratory values Labial biopsy Sialography

The medical term for dry mouth

Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candies. Limit your caffeine intake. Caffeine can make your mouth drier. Don't use mouthwashes that contain alcohol because they can be drying. Stop all tobacco use if you smoke or chew tobacco. Sip water regularly. Try over-the-counter saliva substitutes. Look for ones containing carboxymethylcellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose, such as Biotene Oral Balance. Avoid using over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants because they can make your symptoms worse. Breathe through your nose, not your mouth. Add moisture to the air at night with a room humidifier.

 Saliva is important to maintaining the health of your teeth and mouth. If you frequently have a dry mouth, steps to protect your oral health may also help your condition. Avoid sugary or acidic foods and candies because they increase the risk of tooth decay. Brush with a fluoride toothpaste. Ask your dentist if you might benefit from prescription fluoride toothpaste. Use a fluoride rinse or brush-on fluoride gel before bedtime. Chewing the gum (non sugar)