Dry Mouth

Question 1

Does dry mouth require a counselling room?

Answer 1

No

Question 2

Does dry mouth have a PSA self-care card?

Answer 2

Yes (Dry Mouth)

Question 3

What is the preferred over-the-counter treatment option for dry mouth?

Answer 3

Artificial Saliva (Biotene)

Question 4

What are the directions for Artificial Saliva (Biotene) in dry mouth?

Answer 4

Adults and Children over 12 years:
Mouthwash: Use 15 mL, rinse thoroughly for 30 sec and spit. Do not swallow. Use up to 5x per day.
Gel: apply 1 to 2cm of gel onto tongue and spread around mouth.

Question 5

Is Artificial Saliva (Biotene) safe in pregnancy?

Answer 5

Yes

Question 6

Is Artificial Saliva (Biotene) safe in breastfeeding?

Answer 6

Yes

Question 7

What is the age range for Artificial Saliva (Biotene)?

Answer 7

Safe in children over 12 years

Question 8

What are 8 pieces of non-pharmacological advice for dry mouth?

Answer 8

1. If smoker, quit or reduce smoking
2. Limit alcohol and caffeine intake
3. Sip water and sugar free drinks regularly
4. Eat moist foods
5. Try smaller, frequent meals
6. Avoid salty, acidic, or sugary food/drink
7. Moisturise lips
8. Breathe through your nose, not mouth

Question 9

What are 8 potential causes of dry mouth?

Answer 9

1. Medication induced: Most common with around 400 medicines causing dry mouth
2. Recreational drugs = marijuana, heroin etc.
3. Cancer chemotherapy
4. Radiotherapy
5. Medical conditions = Alzheimer’s, lupus, Parkinson’s, HIV etc.
6. Stroke
7. Anxiety or depression
8. Dehydration

Question 10

What are 5 red flags for dry mouth?

Answer 10

1. Medication induced (supply and refer if patient concerned about side effect of medication)
2. Concomitant dry eyes (? Sjogren’s Syndrome)
3. Signs of dental decay/infection
4. Not responding to OTC treatment
5. Mouth numbness