Managing Xerostomia
Avoid using these products:
- Inciting medications
- Irritants such as alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco
- Sugar-containing drinks and candies
Suggest patients do the following:
- Take sips of water, especially during eating.
- Chew sugarless gum and mints.
- Use saliva substitutes.
- Try salivary stimulants such as pilocarpine.
Prevent caries and periodontal disease by:
- Maintaining meticulous oral hygiene
- Using increased strength topical fluorides such as 1.1% sodium fluoride
Salivary Substitutes
Salivary Stimulants
Sugarless Gum and Mints
Robert Henry, DMD, MPH
References
Visvanathan V, Nix P. Managing the patient presenting with xerostomia: a review. Int J Clin Pract 2010; 64(3): 404–407.