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xerostomia protocol header

We can help you get optimal and more predictable clinical outcomes for the treatment of xerostomia

graph showing causes and consequences of xerostomia
woman with dried out tongue

What is xerostomia?

Xerostomia is an abnormal dryness of the mucous membranes in the mouth, due to a reduction of the flow or change in the composition of saliva. The main causes are medical treatment, polymedication and diseases. Xerostomia generates an increase of pathogenic bacteria in a pathogenic biofilm, which decreases the oral pH. The consequences of Xerostomia for the oral health are serious : oral lesions, dental caries, gingivits and periodontal disease, candidiasis and halitosis to name a few. It can also contribute to poor nutrition and psychological discomfort.

Clinical signs of xerostomia

• Burning sensation
• Food sticks to mucosa
• Oral health problems / Tissue alterations
• Angular chellitis (corner of lips)
• Candidiasis
• Caries
• Halitosis
• Loss of filiform papillae on tongue
• Mucositis
• Oral lesions
• Pain
• Periodontal disease
• Redness of the tongue
• Taste alteration
• Tooth sensitivity

diseased mouth
tongue split in two showing a healthy and unhealthy side

Causes of xerostomia

Cancer Treatment
• Chemotherapy & radiotherapy of the head
Diseases
• Autoimmune: Sjogren’s Syndrome, Lupus
• Fibromas
• Immune system dysfunctions: AIDS/HIV
• Nervous system: Alzheimer, stroke
• Psychological conditions: Depression, stress
• Systemic: Diabetes, Parkinson
• Viral infections: Epstein-Barr virus, Hepatitis C
Life Stages
• Menopause and neck
• 65 years old and more
Medication & Polymedication
• Analgesic, antidepressants, antihistamines, anxiolytics, cardiovascular agents, etc.

Function of saliva

Saliva is nature’s primary defence system for the oral environment. Its functions include:
• Acting as a buffer to neutralize acidic challenges
• Aiding in immune response with the presence of proteins, cytokines, hormones and mucins
• Aiding in proper speech and articulation
• Delivering calcium, phosphate and fluoride
• Performing as a lubricating agent
• Playing an active role in elimination of food and bacteria
• Protecting exposed root surfaces

mouth salivating
pills spread on a table

Xerostomia is a side effect of more than 500 and 63% of the most prescribed & over-the-counter drugs

Partial List:
Allergies, Antidepressants, Antidiarrheals, Antiepileptics, Antihistamines, Antiparkinsonians, Antipsychotics, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytics, Arthritis, Bronchodilators, Cardiovascular agents, Cold, Decongestant, HIV, Hypertension, Muscle relaxant, Pain killer, Prostate, Tobacco control, Urinary incontinence

Xerostomia worsens with number
of medication taken

graph showing increase of xerostomia with each new drug use

ADVICE WITH XEROSTOMIC PATIENTS

• Changing or modification of the medications' dosage
• Drink milk while eating
• Frequent dental exams
• Frequent hydratation (sip water regularly) unless there's cause not to: Severe restrictions from cardiac and renal problems
• Humidification of the bedroom
• If no risk of choking: sucking on ice cubes or frozen juice bars
• Mash, humid food with light touch of citrus
• Rigurous dental hygiene

TO AVOID WITH XEROSTOMIC PATIENTS

• Alcohol
• Coffee
• Highly acidic food
• Sweet food
• Tobacco

woman drinking a glass of water

Medicinal Ingredient

Xylitol is a 100% natural sweetener derived from vegetable sources. Twenty years of research shows Xylitol efficacy treating dry mouth and reducing tooth decay.