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Medicine worsens dry mouth, say dental experts
13th Jul 2009
A new study suggests that dry mouth is made worse by taking medication.
One in four adults in the US has the condition, which means up to 25% of the population could be at risk of tooth decay.
The study by scientists at the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) has identified that xerostomia could be exacerbated by taking medication.
The British Dental Health Foundation, speaking after the US publication, is now urging greater preventive action against the problems dry mouth can cause.
Foundation chief executive Dr Nigel Carter said: 'Dry mouth affects our saliva levels which can expose the teeth to risks of tooth decay, since saliva is a natural protection against caries.
'With advances in healthcare more and more medicines have hit the market. As more people take multiple medicines the risk of oral health problems such as xerostomia has greatly increased, especially amongst older people.
'Dry mouth increases exposure to the main causes of tooth loss, decay, erosion and gum disease, yet these problems are entirely preventable. A good oral health routine and regular trips to the dentist, as often as the dentist recommends, will help look after your mouth and quality of life.'
It was found that 91% of dentists found that patients coming to them with dry mouth had a regular intake of at least one medication.
Dr Cindy Kleiman, from AGD, said: ‘The number of xerostomia cases has increased greatly over time because people are taking more and more medications.'
Medication, such as painkillers, anti-depressants, tranquilisers, diuretics and antihistamines, contribute to the condition, particularly when they are combined.
Xerostomia is also thought to be more prevalent in smokers and can impinge on a sufferer's ability to eat and speak.
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