| Theme | Oral Diseases and Oral Care in Dialysis Patients | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Dialysis and dry mouth | |
| Publish Date | 2011/06 | |
| Author | Koufuchi Ryo | Department of Pathology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine |
| Author | Ichiro Saito | Department of Pathology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine |
| [ Summary ] | Dry mouth syndrome (xerostomia) is defined as a subjective complaint of oral dryness, and is caused by hyposalivation and/or hyper-evaporation of saliva. Hyposalivation occurs due to various causes such as Sjögren's syndrome, radiation therapy to the head and neck, the use of medications, diabetes mellitus and dialytic treatment. Hyper-evaporation is primarily caused by mouth opening or mouth breathing, which often occurs during the night without an apparent decrease in the salivary flow. Hyper-evaporation may occur in dry mouth patients. Recent advances in dry mouth treatment are discussed. |
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