More than 90% of dentists say patients complaining about dry mouth are taking multiple medications, according to a U.S. member survey conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).
Of the nearly 500 general dentists who responded, 89% 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 the following:
- Approximately two-thirds consider dry mouth to be a very serious condition, as it relates to the promotion of tooth decay.
- Approximately 68% say constant thirst is the most common symptom communicated by patients; 44% say patients have difficulty eating, swallowing, or speaking.
- More than 90% report that patients attempt to increase salivary production by drinking water; less than 60% say patients try taking over-the-counter saliva substitutes, chewing sugar-free gum, or sucking on hard candy.
- More than 60% of those surveyed consider diagnosing a patient with xerostomia after he or she exhibits or reports symptoms of dry mouth.
"It's not always easy to diagnose xerostomia because of the subjective nature of the condition," said Gigi Meinecke, D.M.D., in an AGD press release. "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."
More than 400 prescription and nonprescription drugs are associated with xerostomia, according to Raymond Martin, D.D.S.
"Antidepressants, painkillers, diuretics, antihistamines, tranquilizers, and antihypersensitives can all contribute to dry mouth," Dr. Martin said. "People who take several of these medications are more susceptible."
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