3. Symptomatic approach
Palliative treatment remains as only choice in cases when there is no functionally
salivary tissue present as is in the disorders of irreversible damage of salivary
secretory cells (such as in radiation-induced xerostomia). Most remedies available
today for patients with dry mouth are only symptomatic and aimed to avoid or alleviate
discomfort and pain as well as to prevent complications of xerostomia.
A number of saliva substitutes have been developed for the palliative care of
patients with salivary hypofunction to supplement the saliva and alleviate oral
symptoms of dryness. These agents, in liquid, spray, or gel form have moistening
and lubricating properties, and their purpose is to provide prolonged wetness of
the oral mucosa. Commercial artificial saliva should resemble normal saliva in its biophysical properties. Preetha and Banerjee [60] compared artificial saliva based on
carboxymethylcellulose and the xanthan gum and found that the examined substitutes
fall short of required biophysical criteria and modifications are required to
improve them.
The advantages of saliva substitutes or artificial saliva are in the coating and
moisturizing oral mucosa and teeth, and disadvantages are their short-term activity
without preventive effect on oral tissue. Commercialy available alcohol containing
oral rinses should be avoided due to their drying effect. As shown in the study
of Gil-Montoya et al. [61] the evaluated mouthwash and oral gel as saliva substitutes
may improve some subjective and clinical aspects in elderly individuals with dry
mouth, although a placebo effect cannot be entirely discarded.
Patients with irreversible xerostomia should be instructed to maintain proper
hydration of the oral cavity by taking plenty of fluids throughout the day and keeping
the mouth moist, and using artificial saliva preparations. Frequent sips of water
throughout of day and during the meals will facilitate chewing and swallowing
and may also improve the taste of food. The use of bedside humidifiers may lessen
discomfort of dryness, especially at night during sleep when any residual salivary
secretion is physiologically decreased. Patients should avoid any caffeinated drinks
(tea, coffee) and soft drinks and alcohol, as well as smoking and alcohol-containing
mouthwases to prevent further desiccation. Special denture adhesives for individuals
with xerostomia also may provide some retention aid for removable dentures. Periodontal
diseases may be prevented by using an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouth rinse,
such as chlorhexidine.
Professional oral hygiene procedures and instructions in home care as well as diligent
and meticulous oral hygiene are crucial to reduce the bacterial load in the oral
cavity and thus the risk for halitosis and oral infection. Oral care is also important
for the patient’s general health (Table 3).