Xerostomia Caused by Medications

1. Xerostomia Caused
by Medications
Dry Mouth Syndrome

2. 
A graduate of the University of
Florida School of Dentistry,
Richard Petrilli, DMD, PA has
provided a full menu of general
and cosmetic dentistry services in
central Florida since opening his
practice in 1995. One common
condition that Richard Petrilli,
DMD, PA treats is xerostomia,
also known as dry mouth.

3. 
Xerostomia is characterized by
insufficient saliva production.
Saliva plays many important roles
in the body, including lubricating
the mouth for effective speaking
and eating. This watery
substance also helps promote
oral health by controlling the
growth of bacteria and fungi in the
mouth and washing away food
debris. Patients without a
sufficient saliva flow often
experience widespread tooth
decay.

4. 
Numerous prescription and over-
the-counter medications are
known to cause dry mouth. These
drugs include antihistamines,
decongestants, anxiety
medications, antidepressants,
diuretics, and blood pressure
medications. Treatments for
xerostomia may consist of
adjusting or changing
medications, taking a prescription
drug to stimulate saliva
production, or using special
mouth rinses and toothpastes.