Raise Awareness of Medication-induced Xerostomia
Raise Awareness of Medication Induced Xerostomia The cause and effect relationship of xerostomia—commonly called dry mouth—to overall oral health is little known among the general United States patient population. Consequently, the American Dental Association (ADA), Academy of General
Raise Awareness of Medication-induced Xerostomia
The average American is not well-versed on the relationship between xerostomia and overall oral health. Consequently, the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and American Academy of Periodontology have teamed with the American Pharmacists Association to expand awareness of this condition that, when left untreated, has serious implications for oral health. Experts agree that xerostomia is often linked to medication use. Because nearly 50% of Americans rely on daily prescription drugs, with that number jumping to 90% for persons age 65 or older, the need for patient education on this increasingly common side effect is clear. Studies have associated xerostomia with the use of more than 500 prescription medicines, including allergy, asthma, blood pressure, decongestant, diuretic, or antidepressant medications. In total, the associations estimate that 25 million Americans experience inadequate saliva production.
Saliva is a naturally occurring, mineral-rich solution that strengthens teeth and prevents caries. In addition to its ability to cleanse the oral environment, salivary flow enables speech, swallowing, taste, and digestion. The ability of prescription medications to inhibit saliva production poses oral health risks because “drying irritates the soft tissues in the mouth, which can make them inflamed and more susceptible to infection,” explains ADA Consumer Advisor Matthew Messina, DDS.
The ADA, AGD, AAP, and APhA have called on oral health care professionals to highlight the health implications of xerostomia with the goal of promoting optimal oral health. The associations recommend that clinicians update patient medication charts and health histories at biannual appointments, and prescribe saliva substitutes or oral moisturizers to patients experiencing this condition.
Source: American Academy of Periodontology
