What is xerostomia?

• A. Dry mouth
• B. A high fever
• C. Mouth ulcers
• D. Dehydration

Answer: (A)

Xerostomia is the sensation of dry mouth caused by reduced saliva production. Saliva keeps the mouth moist, helps with swallowing, neutralizes acids, and protects teeth from decay. When saliva flow is low, the mouth feels dry or sticky and a person may also experience burning, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and a higher risk of dental caries and mucosal irritation. Causes include certain medications (like anticholinergics or some antidepressants and blood pressure drugs), treatments such as radiation to the head or neck, autoimmune conditions like Sjögren's syndrome, dehydration, and other factors. It’s different from dehydration, which is a general loss of body fluids; xerostomia specifically refers to saliva production. Fever and mouth ulcers describe other issues and do not define a dry-mouth state. Management focuses on addressing the cause, staying hydrated, using saliva substitutes or sugar-free gum, maintaining good oral hygiene, and protecting teeth with fluoride as needed.