Dry Mouth 2 articles

Dry Mouth describes the symptom of xerostomia and the related clinical problem of reduced salivary function. Medicines, systemic disease, radiotherapy and salivary-gland disorders can contribute, while consequences may include difficulty eating, mucosal discomfort, candidiasis and increased caries risk. Assessment should distinguish subjective dryness from measured salivary hypofunction and identify modifiable causes where possible. Management may involve hydration, salivary stimulation or substitutes and stronger preventive measures, rather than assuming one product treats every cause.