Meds cause dry mouth, researchers find

BALTIMORE, July 11 (UPI) -- Dry mouth, caused by a decrease in salivary function, afflicts about 25 percent of Americans, U.S. researchers said.

The number of cases of dry mouth, formally known as xerostomia, has increased markedly because people are taking more medications, dentist Cindy Kleiman, an expert on dry mouth, said in a statement.

"General dentists are seeing this trend in their offices, which is why they are trying to learn all they can about this condition," Kleiman said. "The more they know, the better they will be at diagnosing and treating patients."

About 91 percent of dentists say patients complaining of dry mouth are taking multiple medications, Kleiman said.

A nationwide member survey conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry shows the most common symptoms reported by patients include constant thirst and difficulty eating, swallowing or speaking. Other symptoms include foamy or stringy saliva, irritation of the tongue, burning of the tissues inside the mouth, painful ulcerations and extreme sensitivity in one or more teeth.

Over time, xerostomia sufferers may experience extensive tooth decay, tooth loss or gingivitis, or gum disease, due to the lack of saliva.

Of nearly 500 dentists who responded to the survey, 89 percent said they believe prescription medications are the primary contributor to dry mouth. Aging, dehydration and salivary gland disease were also cited as major contributors.

The findings are scheduled to be presented at the Academy of General Dentistry's 57th annual meeting in Baltimore.