Oral and dental manifestations of xerostomia (dry mouth): public health implications of a common and under-recognised adverse drug reaction

Abstract

The use of medications that have significant adverse implications for oral health and the safe delivery of dental care is increasing. Medication use in general is expected to rise as the population ages, as will the number of dentate patients in the over-65 age group. Adverse drug reactions, the most common of which is xerostomia, or dry mouth, may have direct effects on oro-dental structures.