Dry mouth

Question 1

Dry mouth - key symptoms (8)

Answer 1

Dry/sticky mouth feel
Rough/dry tongue
Bad breath
Difficulty talking
Difficulty swallowing
Dry lips
Sore throat
Oral infections

Question 2

Dry mouth - extra questions (3)

Answer 2

Any medication
Other signs of dehydration
Any other medical conditions (kidney/diabetes)

Question 3

Dry mouth - explanation

Answer 3

Xerostomia, dryness of the mouth causing discomfort

Question 4

Dry mouth - causes (4)

Answer 4

Medication
Dehydration (including from kidney disease and diabetes)
Salivary gland disease
Mouth breathing

Question 5

Dry mouth - first-line treatment (product, how it works, how to use it age)

Answer 5

Biotene moisturising gel (artificial saliva substitute), works to moisturise the mouth
Place 1-2 cm on the tongue and distribute around the mouth
PRN
12 years +

Question 6

Dry mouth - other treatment option

Answer 6

Salivix pastilles (saliva stimulants) PRN

Question 7

Dry mouth - lifestyle (7)

Answer 7

Manage underlying cause if known
Small frequent sips of water/unsweetened drink
Suck on ice cube/lollies
Sugar free gum/mint/boiled sweets
Vaseline for dry lips
Humidifier
Avoid caffeine, alcohol and smoking

Question 8

Dry mouth - referral (4)

Answer 8

Affecting eating (weight loss)
Other symptoms (e.g diabetes)
Persistent
Medication ADRs