Several key dental and pharmaceutical industry organizations are joining forces to improve oral health and increase public awareness of oral dryness. Dry mouth is a common side effect of taking prescription and over-the-counter medications. More than 500 medications can cause dry mouth, including antihistamines (medications for allergies and asthma), medications for high blood pressure, decongestants, painkillers, diuretics and antidepressants. About half of all Americans regularly take at least one prescription medication per day, including many that cause dry mouth. More than 90 percent of older adults over the age of 65 take at least one prescription medication regularly each day. Because older adults take one or more medications frequently, they are at a much higher risk of developing oral dryness. American Academy of Dentistry (ADA), American Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), and the American Pharmacists Association (AphA) are joining forces to help raise public awareness of the effects of medications on oral dryness. At least 25 million Americans have inadequate salivary production and abnormal salivary fractions in their mouths, and thus the protective and cleansing functions of this important body fluid are inadequate. A healthy adult normally produces about 1.5 liters of saliva per day, which makes it easier to speak, swallow, and taste, helps us digest food, and plays other important roles that we often don’t notice,” noted Dr. FaresElias, president of the American Academy of General Dentistry. “ Manifestations and Symptoms of Dry Mouth Most people experience a short-term dry mouth sensation at some point in their lives. The trigger for dry mouth may be stress, excessive pressure or simply being upset. This manifestation of dry mouth is normal and does not have long-term consequences. However, chronic dry mouth can be long lasting. Common symptoms of dry mouth include difficulty eating, difficulty speaking, difficulty chewing, a burning sensation in the mouth, or the need to drink water frequently while eating. According to Dr. Messina, a general dentist practicing in Cleveland, tooth decay and periodontal disease are more likely to occur when the cleaning and protective effects of adequate saliva are lost. “Persistent dry mouth and lack of saliva protection may cause bad breath. A film of saliva helps dentures adhere convincingly to oral tissues, and dry mouth may make dentures uncomfortable to wear,” he added, “Inadequate saliva production can also lead to dentures that rub gums sore and break down, dry and cracked lips, and an increased risk of oral infections.” Common Causes Oral dryness was once thought to be an inevitable part of life brought on by aging, however, it is now widely believed to be associated with certain medications and autoimmune diseases, such as Scheglin’s syndrome. Both medications and autoimmune diseases can cause a decrease in saliva production or alter the composition of saliva, however, experts agree that the primary cause of oral dryness is the use of medications. Radiation therapy for head and neck tumors can also cause severe xerostomia. Radiation therapy can cause severe damage to the salivary glands, resulting in decreased saliva production and, in many cases, extreme dry mouth. How to relieve dry mouth? People suffering from xerostomia should have regular oral exams and have their dentist evaluate and treat the dry mouth condition. Patients should always carry a list of all medications they are currently taking, and the dental office should check the patient’s medication information at each visit to make sure there have been no changes. ”Sometimes we can change to other medications or change the dose we take to relieve dry mouth symptoms,” said Thomas Menighan, CEO and executive vice president of the American Pharmacists Association. If there is any confusion about the medication they are taking, patients should talk to their pharmacist. Increasing fluid intake, chewing sugar-free gum, taking frequent sips of water, or holding ice cubes can also relieve dry mouth symptoms. Quitting smoking, avoiding caffeine, drinking less alcohol, and drinking less soda can also help relieve dry mouth symptoms. The dentist may recommend saliva replacement or oral lubricants to keep the mouth moist. Pharmacists can also provide patients with helpful information to help control dry mouth symptoms.