 |
||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||
| 450 A. Green Bay Rd. Kenilworth, IL 60043 (847) 251-5004 Office Hours |
||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Xerostomia continued
What are the Causes?
Xerostomia may be caused by disruption of the neural input to the salivary glands or dysfunction of the salivary gland itself. The major cause of xerostomia is prescribed and over the counter medications. There are now over 400 medications whose individual adverse effects include xerostomia. An individual drug may not cause xerostomia but in combination with other drugs, it may. So the actual amount of drugs and drug combination that cause xerostomia is much higher. There are no studies on what combinations are harmful. Included in this information is a page that lists all of the known drugs that cause xerostomia. It may also be caused by a variety of medical conditions including, history of radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, salivary gland disease, sacrcoidosis, emotional stress, depression, central nervous system disorders and autoimmune disorders such as uncontrolled diabetes, Sjrogen’s syndrome and HIV. Hormonal alterations associated with pregnancy and menopause may also be a cause.
How are the symptoms managed?
There are four main categories of treatment for xerostomia.
1. Palliative measures - increase water intake, keep water at bedside at night, use humidifier at night, use alcohol free mouth wash (Breath RX, Biotene), use of sugar free hard candy and gum, restrict intake of caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages, tobacco cessation, increase home hygiene, increase hygiene visits to dental office, use of an electric toothbrush (Oral B), use of an Oral Irrigator (although Oral Irrigators are completely useless in reducing the amount of plaque in your mouth it may be effective in removing food debris from along the gum line and in between the teeth that are more prevalent in patients with xerostomia),use of prescription Fluoride toothpaste (Fluorodex) at home, use of prescription antimicrobial mouth rinse (PerioRX) at home.
2. Use of saliva substitutes and oral lubricants - Artificial saliva is formulated to mimic the physical and chemical characteristics of saliva. These substitutes help alleviate xerostomia by moistening and lubricating the mouth to help facilitate easier speaking chewing and swallowing. They may be used as often as necessary and are available as liquids, sprays and gels. The easiest to use and most available brand is Biotene Oral Balance Mouth Moisturizing Gel.
3. Drug Switching - It is advisable to review all medications with your primary care physician to see if all medications and dosages are necessary. It may also be possible to substitute a different drug that does not cause xerostomia for a current one that does.
4. Drug therapy - There are two prescription drugs available for stimulating increased salivation: Cevimeline hydrochloride (Evoxac) and pilocarpine hydrochloride (Salagen).
We will guide you to the proper treatment in combatting xerostomia from its multiple detrimental effects. Our guidance, along with your hard work, will help you retain teeth for a lifetime.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask as we are happy to help! We do not notice the multiple and important roles that saliva plays until it is gone.
Download a PDF version of Xerostomia here. Download a PDF of drugs that cause Xerostomia here. |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||