Xerostomia
occurs as a consequence of the decrease of the flow of saliva. But only when
salivary flow is reduced by 50% or more notice the dry mouth or xerostomia.
Xerostomia affects 46% of the
population. It usually appears as the clinical manifestation of salivary gland
dysfunction but sometimes dry mouth or xerostomia may occur with a normal flow
of saliva.
Intake of drugs
is the leading cause of dry mouth. There is a correlation between the degree of
dryness and the amount of drugs. 400 types of drugs produce xerostomia or dry
mouth.
Dry mouth is the leading cause of
tooth decay.
What Causes
Xerostomia
·
Radiotherapy in head and neck cancer
·
Intake of medications: antidepressants,
antihistamines, diuretics
·
Autoimmune diseases: Sjogren's Syndrome
