Web Site Offers Help for Dry Mouth

The Web site www.nohic.nidcr.nih.gov/pubs/drymouth/ dmouth.htm is geared toward helping patients with xerostomia (dry mouth) and the dentists who treat them to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and effects of dry mouth. There is a whole host of reasons behind dry mouth, including the >400 medications that can reduce saliva production, as well as chemotherapy and radiation. Xerostomia also may be a symptom of another disease such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, or HIV/AIDS. If not treated, dry mouth can make it hard to chew, swallow, taste, or speak, and it can increase the risk for cavities and mouth infections.