Dry Mouth Linked To Prescription & Over The Counter Drugs

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Approximately ninety-one percent of dentists say patients complaining about dry mouth are taking multiple medications, according to a nationwide member survey conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is caused by a decrease in salivary function. It affects approximately one in four Americans, placing more than 25 percent of people at risk for tooth decay.

Out of the nearly 500 general dentists who responded, 89 percent believe prescription medications are the primary contributor to dry mouth. Aging, dehydration and salivary gland disease were also cited as major contributors. The survey of AGD members also revealed that approximately two-thirds other dentists surveyed consider dry mouth to be a very serious condition, as it relates to the promotion of tooth decay.

"It's not always easy to diagnose xerostomia because of the subjective nature of the condition," said Gigi Meinecke, DMD, FAGD. "That is why it's so important for patients to discuss symptoms with their dentist, even if they do not experience them on the day of the office visit."

The AGD reports a number of actions dry mouth sufferers can take to alleviate the condition:

-- Brush and floss twice a day

-- Chew sugarless gum or suck on non-citrus flavored or sour sugarless candy

-- Drink plenty of water

-- Brush with a fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth

-- Use over-the-counter saliva substitutes

-- Avoid alcohol and caffeine

-- Avoid smoking

-- Avoid overly salty foods

-- Avoid citrus juices (e.g., orange, grapefruit, tomato)

-- Avoid dry foods (e.g., toast, crackers)

-- Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth as often as possible

-- Use moisturizer regularly on your lips

-- Sleep with a humidifier in your room to add moisture to the air

-- Visit your dentist regularly