The term xerostomia refers to the subjective sensation of having a dry mouth, which may be due to the decrease or absence of saliva caused by salivary gland dysfunction.

Most think that this oral condition is not very prevalent, but the fact is that 20%-40% of the population suffers from dry mouth, especially women, the elderly and polymedicated patients.

The most common causes are often related with day-to-day habits, such as:

• Public speaking.
  
• Unbalanced diet.
  

On the other hand, certain medical circumstances may also cause dry mouth:

• Stress, anxiety and depression.
  
• Radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
• Systemic diseases (i.e. diabetes).
• Edentulism.
• Old age.
• Consumption of medicines.

The latter— consumption of medicines —is currently considered one of the main causes owing to an increase in the number of polymedicated patients. The increase in consumption of drugs to treat different pathologies people suffer will in most cases cause dry mouth as a side effect. There are over 500 medicines that may cause dry mouth, of which the most commonly prescribed include anxiolytics, antihypertensives and antidepressants.

Different products can be used to reduce and/or eliminate dry mouth, such as those from the Xeros dentaid® range which contain components that help moisturise the oral cavity and/or stimulate the secretion of saliva, assisting to alleviate this problem.

Pharmacists play a key role in the recommendation of Xeros dentaid®, and consequently in improving the quality of life of their customers.