Investigation of xerostomia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

Patients who have rheumatoid arthritis should be screened for xerostomia. Xerostomia is a dryness in the mouth that is often caused by reduced saliva. This can predispose these patients to dental cavities. Researchers found that 60% of 604 rheumatoid arthritis patients had one or more xerostomia symptoms, including difficulty swallowing, a dry mouth when eating or the need to drink liquids to facilitate swallowing. However, only 43% actually had reduced saliva flow. Those who had the most symptoms were most likely to have reduced saliva flow.

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How can oral health care providers determine if patients have dry mouth?

Article Abstract:

A dentist provides tips for identifying patients who are not producing enough saliva. The medical term for this condition is xerostomia, which means dry mouth. People with this condition have an increased risk of dental cavities and oral fungal infections. It is better to identify these patients before these complications happen.

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Using the modified Schirmer test to measure mouth dryness

Article Abstract:

A study is conducted to determine whether the Schirmer test for measuring eye dryness can be modified to measure mouth dryness. The results of the modified Schirmer test are able to distinguish between healthy adult volunteers and subjects who experienced profound xerostomia and hyposalivation.

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