Can fluorides benefit xerostomic (dry mouth) patients?

When salivary flow is absent or minimal, caries destruction is rapid and rampant. Patients experiencing drug or radiation-induced xerostomia (dry mouth) should be treated with professionally-applied fluorides, home fluorides, and a strict program of oral hygiene.

A complete health history must be taken to consider previous conditions and drug exposures. Temporary dry mouth commonly occurs as a side effect of many drugs including: antihistamines, diuretics, antihypertensives, anticholinergic, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and decongestants.

Salivary gland dysfunction can be caused by radiation exposure of the head and neck. This permanent xerostomic condition represents a lifelong high caries risk requiring the frequency of exposure provided by daily home fluorides and in some cases, artificial saliva preparations.

Suggested Source: Accepted Dental Therapeutics, ed. 39. Chicago, American Dental Association, 1982, pp 52-55.