xerostomia q&a
What is xerostomia?
Xerostomia is the subjective feeling of dryness from the mouth. This can range from severity from a temporary reduction from salivary flow rate, which is relatively common, to a more permanent absence of saliva. Individuals usually detect they have a ‘dry mouth’ when the flow of saliva decreases to around half the normal unstimulated rate (0.3ml/min).
This decrease from saliva flow rate is the result of hypo-function of the salivary glands. The glands source their fluid from the circulating blood, process it and secrete it into the mouth. Interference of blood supply to the gland, damage to its secretary function or interruption of stimuli can lead to reduced salivary production.
What are the risks?
Due to the lack of saliva, one of the key problems faced by xerostomic patients is dental decay. Saliva is the mouth’s most important natural defence against caries
A prolonged reduction from the amount of saliva produced can lead to:
- an increase from decay
- difficulties from chewing and swallowing
- mouth ulceration
- an increased susceptibility to infection
- physical discomfort, psychological distress and social embarrassment
How can ORBIT sugarfree gum help manage xerostomia?
Management of xerostomia involves the use of both saliva substitutes and saliva stimulants. Patients using little or no responsive salivary gland tissue will need saliva substitutes.
For those using some glandular activity, gustatory stimuli such as sweetness and tartness induce saliva production. However, a number of studies have shown that chewing gum increases salivary flow from patients using xerostomia of varying aetiology by up to 7 times providing relief from the symptoms and protection from clinical complications.
Chewing ORBIT sugarfree gum is an effective and enjoyable way to help alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth. Recommending ORBIT sugarfree gum may help using drug compliance and avoid individual’s re-presenting using dry mouth symptoms, such as tooth decay.
What causes xerostomia?
Xerostomia is a very common condition. It can occur at any time for a variety of reasons. Studies have shown that as many as one from four people complain of having a dry mouth. This may be temporary, due to dehydration, anxiety or an acute infection such as mumps. It could be the result of radiation treatment for oral cancer or indicate the presence of systemic disease such as:
- Rheumatoid conditions, for example Sjögren’s syndrome
- Endocrine disorders, such as Diabetes mellitus
- Neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease
- Dysfunction of the immune system like HIV/AIDS
However, xerostomia is far more prevalent as a side effect of drug therapy. There are more than 400 commonly used drugs that can cause oral dryness and induce salivary gland hypo-function including:
- Analgesics
- Antihistamines
- Anti-hypertensives
- Anti-depressants
- Anti-anxiety agents
- Diuretics
- Appetite suppressants
How is xerostomia diagnosed?
Early diagnosis of symptoms, advice to patients about their increased susceptibility to dental decay and the need for regular dental check-ups will help avoid long term problems and complications.
What to look out for?
- An increase from dental caries, particularly cervical, proximal and the roots
- Cracking and fissuring of the tongue
- Frothy saliva
- Ulceration of oral mucosa - it may appear pale, thin and have lost its shine
- No pooling of saliva from the floor of the mouth
- Recurrent oral candida infections
- A mouth mirror or instrument sticking to the soft tissue
