WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Dr. Chintan Himmatbhai Desai

ABSTRACT

Severity of xerostomia or dry mouth symptoms ranges from mild oral discomfort to significant oral disease that can compromise the patient’s health, dietary intake, and quality of life. ? Causes of dry mouth can include toxicity from chemotherapy, head and neck radiotherapy, medication intake, autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren disease) or other conditions (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, infections, hormonal changes). ? Reduced salivary flow can cause difficulties in tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking; it can also increase the chance of developing dental caries, demineralization of teeth, tooth sensitivity, and/or oral infections. ? The goals of treating xerostomia include identifying the possible cause(s), relieving discomfort, and preventing complications (e.g., dental caries and periodontal infections). ? Xerostomia may be alleviated by use of saliva substitutes and other interventions (e.g., chewing sugar-free gum). Other dental/oral health-specific recommendations (e.g., brushing teeth gently at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste) may help provide relief from or prevent adverse sequelae of dry mouth.