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Article: Effectiveness of saliva substitute products in the treatment of dry mouth in the elderly: a pilot study
- Article from:
- The Journal of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health
- Article date:
- January 1, 2005
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright Royal Society for the Promotion of Health Jan 2005. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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Key words
Aged; dry mouth; palliative treatment; products; xerostomia
Abstract
The aging population is susceptible to developing dry mouth (xerostomia). Elderly patients present all of the major risk factors to acquiring dry mouth which include systemic diseases and disorders, such as diabetes and depression, and the use of numerous medications, including anti-hypertensives and anti-depressants. The consequences of untreated dry mouth are severe limitations of masticatory function and speech, and increased risk of developing caries, periodontal diseases and fungal infections. Assessment of xerostomia, which includes a set of signs and symptoms that impact on the individual, can only be ...