What is

Xerostomia? Common Signs & Treatment

Symptoms Options
Dry mouth, also called xerostomia
* Excessive Thirst
(ZEER-oh-STOH-mee-ah), is the Depending on the cause and severity of
condition of not having enough saliva, or * Bad breath (halitosis) dry mouth, appropriate treatments are
spit, to keep the mouth wet. Dry mouth available. Self-care steps that you can
* Dry hoarsness of throat take to help ease dry mouth are...
also increases the risk for tooth decay
because saliva helps keep harmful germs * Chapped lips * Biotene Mouth Wash
that cause cavities and other oral
* Difficulty speaking, chewing, * Drinking plenty of water
infections in check.
and swallowing * Chewing sugarless gum

* Avoiding tobacco and alcohol

* Good oral care at home and

regular dental check-ups

CAUSES * Acupuncture
Dry mouth occurs when the salivary
glands that make saliva don't work
properly.
*Medications
*Diabetes mellitus
*Allergy Medications(Antihistamines)
* Radio- & Chemotherapy
*Autoimmune Diseases

Certain cancer treatments can cause damage and

secondary effects to glands.
 Up and Coming
Treatments
*Stem Cells Regeneration

*Electrostimulation

*HyperBaric Oxygen Therapy

Xerostomia

Thick saliva?

Dry Mouth?

WHEN TO SEE A References Thirsty?
DENTIST OR http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/
PHYSICIAN
DryMouth/

It's important to see your dentist or http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/

physician if persistent dry mouth
occurs. dry-mouth/basics/definition/con-20035499

Taylor Piper, Tang Blanton, Jasmyne Fine