Overview of Dry Mouth in Patients
Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
Xerostomia is a subjective feeling of a dry mouth that may be caused by reduced saliva production (hyposalivation).1
Saliva plays an important part in maintaining oral health and well-being:2–4
- Lubricates the mouth and prevents epithelial dehydration
- Aids digestion and taste
- Assists in speech and swallowing
- Maintains oral pH balance and tooth integrity
- Has antimicrobial properties
- Helps protect oral tissues
Dry mouth can negatively impact oral health;2,5 if left untreated, patients may have up to a 3x greater risk of cavities in the long term6
Dry mouth in the general population
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Prevalence of dry mouth in patients
Up to 1 in 4 adult patients experience dry mouth symptoms.7
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What the rise means to dental professionals
89% of surveyed dental professionals agreed that "dry mouth is on the rise."*8
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Dental professionals are seeing more cases of dry mouth
80% of surveyed dental professionals said they were seeing more than 5 patients a month.*8
*n=621 dental professionals
Read more about dry mouth
Impact on patient quality of life
Find out about the impact that dry mouth has on patients’ daily lives.
