FreeMD® Xerostomia Definition

Xerostomia

Definition

Xerostomia Definition

Common names:

Dry Mouth
Mouth Dryness
Xerostomia

A person with xerostomia has a dry mouth, which is usually due to a lack of saliva. The most common cause of xerostomia is a side effect from a medication. The medication reduces the production of saliva in the salivary glands.

Continue to Xerostomia Risk Factors

View more Mouth or tongue problems topics

Related Topics:

Difficulty swallowing
Drug side effect
Halitosis
Sjogren's syndrome
More...

Dry mouth

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Last Updated: Sep 18, 2008 References

Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD

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Xerostomia References:

Atkinson JC, Grisius M, Massey W. Salivary hypofunction and xerostomia: diagnosis and treatment. Dent Clin North Am. 2005 Apr;49(2):309-26.
Cassolato SF, Turnbull RS. Xerostomia: clinical aspects and treatment. Gerodontology. 2003 Dec;20(2):64-77.
Mignogna MD, Fedele S, Russo LL, Lo Muzio L, Wolff A. Sjogren's syndrome: the diagnostic potential of early oral manifestations preceding hyposalivation/xerostomia. J Oral Pathol Med. 2005 Jan;34(1):1-6.
Morganstein WM. Acupuncture in the treatment of xerostomia: clinical report. Gen Dent. 2005 May-Jun;53(3):223-6.