Medications and Dry Mouth

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a condition of reduced or no saliva in your mouth.  Because saliva enhances your ability to taste, aids in digestion and makes it easier to swallow, it affects your enjoyment of food.  In addition, saliva washes away food particles from tooth surfaces and limits the bacterial growth that can cause decay.  Hundreds of medications, including some over the counter drugs, produce dry mouth as a side effect.  They include those used to treat depression, anxiety, and antihistamines.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's Syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva do not function correctly.  As a result, poor salivary production causes dry mouth and lack of tears causes dry eyes.  When the symptoms become more severe, mouth dryness (xerostomia) may feel like a burning or cracking tongue, may result in an increased rate of dental decay, and difficulty swallowing.  It becomes necessary to sip fluids often both with and between meals.  The parotid glands (major salivary glands behind the jaw) may become swollen and painful.  Eye involvement is the other major manifestation.  The decreased tearing causes redness, itching, photosensitivity and a sandy or gritty feeling in the eyes.  There can also be a decrease in mucous gland secretion of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.  One-third of patients can have symptoms outside the glands, effecting joints, muscles, lungs and kidneys.  Treatment attempts to relieve the effects of chronic dryness of the mouth and eyes by increasing the lubrication and moisturization of the affected tissues.  Artificial tears and saliva substitutes have been used.  Medications are prescribed for extraglandular symptoms.  The overall disease course of Sjogren's syndrome requires regular monitoring by a prosthodontist in conjunction with a physician. 

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Medication-Caused Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Dry mouth (xerostomia) can be caused by prescription or over-the-counter medications.  More than 500 medications contribute to oral dryness:  antihistamines (for allergy or asthma), antihypertensives (for blood pressure), decongestants, pain medications, diuretics and antidepressants.  In the most severe form, dry mouth can lead to tooth decay, mouth sores and oral infections.  Half of all Americans take at least one prescription medication daily and more than 90% of adults over the age of 65 do the same. Therefore, older adults are at significantly higher risk.  "Each day, a healthy adult normally produces one and a half liters of saliva, making it easier to talk, swallow, taste, digest food, and perform other important functions that often go unnoticed," notes Dr. Fares Elias, past president of the AGD.  

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth (xerostomia) can be caused by prescription or over-the-counter medications. More than 500 medications contribute to oral dryness: antihistamines (for allergy or asthma), antihypertensives (for blood pressure), decongestants, pain medications, diuretics and antidepressants.

In the most severe form, dry mouth can lead to tooth decay, mouth sores and oral infections.  Half of all Americans take at least one prescription medication daily and more than 90% of adults over the age of 65 do the same. Therefore, older adults are at significantly higher risk.

"Each day, a healthy adult normally produces one and a half liters of saliva, making it easier to talk, swallow, taste, digest food, and perform other important functions that often go unnoticed," notes Dr. Fares Elias, past president of the AGD.

Treatment options are available at: 661-325-1275, 5060 California Ave #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309