Xerostomia (dry mouth) may be a side-effect of other medication. It is also caused by irradiation of the head and neck region or by damage to or disease of the salivary glands.
Patients with a persistently dry mouth may develop a burning or scalded sensation and have poor oral hygiene. They are prone to increased dental caries, periodontal disease, intolerance of dentures, and oral infections, particularly candidiasis. Where possible, treatment is directed at the underlying cause of dry mouth. If this is not possible, or is only partially successful, symptomatic treatment is used.
Treating the underlying cause
Drugs are a common cause of dry mouth. Reduce the dose or change the drug if possible. Morphine is a common, but often overlooked, cause of dry mouth. Other drugs that cause dry mouth include tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, antimuscarinic drugs, antiepileptic drugs, antipsychotics, betablockers, and diuretics.
Dehydration should be treated.
Simple measures will often relieve symptoms of dry mouth, even if rehydration is not undertaken.
Anxiety can also cause dry mouth.
Sjögren’s syndrome – check anti-nuclear antibody titre.
General measures
Simple measures should be used by all patients. Dry mouth may be relieved in many patients by:
Frequent sips of cool drinks.
Sucking pieces of ice.
Sucking sugar-free fruit pastilles.
Eating partly frozen melon or pineapple chunks.
Sugar-free chewing gum stimulates salivation in patients with residual salivary function.
Petroleum jelly can be applied to the lips to prevent drying and cracking.
