Dry mouth

The sensation of dry mouth can be both unpleasant and painful, having a knock-on effect on a person’s ability to swallow or nutritional intake. Up to 90% of patients surveyed in some cohorts report this symptom. It can be caused by medications, nutritional status especially some vitamin deficiencies or local disease. 

Causes

• Medications - tricyclic antidepressants, anticholinergics, opioids, some chemotherapy/immunotherapy
• Dehydration either due to poor intake or increased output
• Local radiotherapy
• Oral tumours

Non-drug treatments

• Stop causative medications
• Ensure good mouthcare is maintained 
• Monitor and promote hydration status
• Sugar-free chewing gum can promote saliva production

Drug treatment

• Pilocarpine is a salivary stimulant
• Artificial saliva substitutes