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Other non-prescription treatments include alcohol-free fluoride To increase the likelihood of an accurate diagnosis of xerostomia
rinses and the use of salivary substitutes containing methylcellulose and determine the optimal treatment for the patient, a thorough re-
or a mucin base to provide lubrication. Sugarless chewing gum/loz- view of the patient’s medical history and detailed clinical exam-
enges may help to stimulate salivary flow. (Tables 4, 5) ination of the oral cavity is imperative, as is the use of a multi-
disciplinary team approach when establishing the diagnosis. Most
5
Table 4. Prescription Secretory Stimulants importantly, oral healthcare providers should determine effective
Pilocarpine/Salagen ® prevention strategies for each patient and they should monitor their
9,13
Cevimeline Hydrochloride/Evoxac ® patients at 4-6 month intervals and utilize annual radiographs.
References
1. Cohen-Brown, G. & Egues, A. L. (2020) The oral systemic connection
a collaborative interdisciplinary clinical companion for the healthcare pro-
Table 5. Salivary Substitutes and Lubricants vider. Kendall Hunt Publishing: Dubuque, IA. ISBN 9781792405587.
Xerolube ® 2. Napeñas, J. J., Brennan, M. T., & Fox, P. C. (2009). Diagnosis and treat-
ment of xerostomia (dry mouth). Odontology, 97(2), 76-83.)
Salivart ® 3. Shinohara, C., Ito, K, Takamatsu, K, Ogawa, M, Kaji, Y, Nohno, K,
Unimist ® Sugano, A, Funayama, S, Katakura, S, Nomura, T, and Inoque M. (2021).
Factors associated with xerostomia in perimenopausal women. The Journal
Biotene ® of Obstetrics and Gynocology Research 47 (10), pp. 3661-3668.
4. Cho, JH, Kim, MJ, & Kho, HS, (2021). Oral health-related quality of life
and associated factors in patients with xerostomia. International Journal of
Dental Hygiene 19 (3), pp 313-322.
Oral Health Goals 5. Lakshmi, S., and Nayar, S. (2019). Management of Xerostomia and its
Oral healthcare and medical providers should be able to offer guid- Impact on Dental Caries. Indian Journal of Public Health Research and
ance on oral hygiene instruction, including when and how to recom- Development, 10(12), pp.1206-1208.
mend fluoride, dietary counseling, and management of xerostomia. 6. Noubissi EC, Katte JC, Sobngwi E. (2018). Diabetes and HIV. Curr Diab
(Tables 6, 7) Rep. 2018 Oct 8;18(11):125. doi: 10.1007/s11892-018-1076-3. PMID:
30294763).
7. Greenspan, Deborah (1996). “Xerostomia: diagnosis and manage-
Table 6. Oral Health Goals ment.” Oncology (Williston Park, NY) 10, no. 3 Suppl (1996): 7-11.)
8. Mohammed, M., Hamed, I and Hassanain, J., (2019). A Biological Study
Preserve, maintain, and restore healthy teeth and periodontal on Some Causes of Dental Caries and Methods of Treatment and Preven-
(gum) tissue as needed. tion. Indian Journal of Public Health Research and Development (10), 2
Maintain the ability of patients to eat and drink, nutrition and pp. 727-730.
9. Noble, W. H., Aziz, K., Edwards, K., & Salmon, E. (2012). Xerostomia
hydration. from A to Z. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, 10(1), 22-28.
Prevent and treat infections of the mouth. 10. Priya K., Vaishali, P., Rajasekaran, S., Balaji, D. and Navin R.B.,
(2021). Assessment of Effects on Prolonged Usage of Face Mask by ENT
Treat and prevent dental-related pain. Professionals During Covid-19 Pandemic. Indian Journal of Otolaryngol-
ogy and Head and Neck Surgery (8) pp. 1-5.
Maintain esthetics and function. 11. Cohen-Brown, Gwen, and Jonathan A. Ship (2004). Diagnosis and
Patient education. treatment of salivary gland disorders. Quintessence international (35).
12. Choi, J.H., Kim, M. and Kho, H.S. (2021). Oral Health-Related quality
of life associated with xerostomia. International Journal of Dental Hygiene
1 (6), doi: 10.1111/idh.1258.
Table 7. Good Oral Health 13. Amorim dos Santos, J., Normando, A. G. C., Carvalho da Silva, R.
L., Acevedo, A. C., De Luca Canto, G., Sugaya, N., ... & Guerra, E. N.
Good oral health affects the patient’s psycho-social health and S. (2021). Oral manifestations in patients with COVID-19: A 6-month
quality of life. update. Journal of dental research, 100(12), 1321-1329.)
Good oral health addresses function, decreases pain and im-
proves esthetics.
Good oral health increases systemic health and well-being. Professor Maria Dimino RDH, BS, MA is cur-
Oral health care providers should perform a detailed oral and rently a Registered Dental Hygienist and an
oropharyngeal exam at each visit and document and clinical Adjunct Assistant Professor at New York City
College of Technology, Department of Dental
signs. Hygiene, City University of New York. In addi-
tion, she also works in private practice in Stat-
en Island, NY for Dr. Bryan D. Pieroni.
Conclusion
The overall impact of xerostomia can compromise a patient’s qual- Dr. Gwen Cohen Brown is a full Professor in
ity of life. The chief complaint of most patients surveyed was diffi- the Dental Hygiene Department, at New York
culty speaking and dysphagia (swallowing difficulties). There is a City College of Technology, of the City Uni-
need for oral healthcare professionals to focus on their patient’s xe- versity of New York. Dr. Brown received her
rostomia-related symptoms and behaviors. The main goal in treat- Bachelor of Art degree from Mount Holyoke
ing patients with dry mouth is to focus on prevention strategies to College in 1984 and Dental degree from New
reduce their subjective symptoms and discomfort and to increase York University College of Dentistry in 1988.
their quality of life. 12 Dr. Brown is a licensed dentist in New York State and a Fellow
in the Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.

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