Dental hygienists have much to offer patients undergoing radiation to the head and neck regions and chemotherapy treatments, who have a dramatically increased risk of xerostomia.

Dental hygienists need to understand the possible negative effects on the oral cavity caused by medication use in order to provide the best care to patients.

The rate of salivary flow is crucial to the diagnosis and treatment of xerostomia.

Treating drug-induced dry mouth.

Normal salivary physiology, complications, and physical assessment are all part of diagnosing and treating xerostomia.

Dimensions of Dental Hygiene speaks with Mahvash Navazesh, DMD, about the importance of risk assessment and prevention in managing xerostomia.