Xerostomia is becoming more and more significant, as its prevalence is growing due to the increasing number of polymedicated people.

It is often thought that this oral condition is not really common, but the fact is that 20% to 40% of the population suffers from dry mouth, especially women and the elderly, as well as those who take several medicines.

The term xerostomia refers to the subjective sensation of dry mouth that may be associated with the decrease or absence of saliva caused by salivary gland dysfunction.

In many cases, those who suffer from it are not aware that the dentist is the right medical professional to treat this problem. The role of the dentist and the dental hygienist at the clinic is essential to help prevent, diagnose and treat xerostomia.

It is important to identify patients who come to the dental clinic showing any of these conditions, since they have an increased risk of dry mouth.

Subsequently, the professional should examine the mouth and the mucosa to check if the patient has alterations in the oral cavity due to lack of salivary secretion.

These alterations might be:

• Notably decreased salivary flow.
• Dry, reddened tongue.
• Fissured tongue.
• Peeling lips.
• Dry palate.
• Dull gums.
• Oral infection, such as candidiasis.
• Halitosis.

For the treatment of xerostomia, in addition to daily hydration—drinking enough water—it is necessary to maintain a healthy diet (avoiding too many dry and spicy foods, as well as irritants such as coffee, alcohol, etc.), besides maintaining proper daily oral hygiene.

Xeros dentaid® provides the solution for dry mouth, with its Moisturising product range—composed of toothpaste, mouthwash and gel—which helps to keep the oral cavity hydrated, and the Stimulant product range—with tablets, chewing gum and spray, easy to apply when out and about—which helps to stimulate the natural production of saliva. 

FACTORS CAUSING DRY MOUTH

• Medication. Over 500 drugs produce dry mouth as a side effect, including the most commonly prescribed, analgesics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, etc.
• Several systemic diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome and diabetes.
• Certain cancer treatments, mainly head and neck radiotherapy.
• Situations of stress and anxiety.
• Ageing.
• Excessive drinking and/or smoking.

To learn about the Xeros dentaid® product line, and for information on the problem of xerostomia, please visit: www.xerosdentaid.es