dental disorders
Xerostomia
Etiology of Xerostomia
Xerostomia is usually caused by the following: Drugs Radiation to the head and neck (for cancer treatment) Systemic disorders are less commonly the cause, but xerostomia is common in Sjögren Syndrome and may occur in Drugs are the most common cause (see table); about 400 prescription medications and many over-the-counter (OTC) medications cause decreased salivation. The most common include the following: Anticholinergics Antiparkinsonian drugs None Antineoplastics ( Systemic Cancer Therapy ) Systemic Cancer Therapy cause severe dryness and Other common drug classes that cause xerostomia include Medications for Hypertension , The rise of illicit Amphetamines use has resulted in an increasing incidence of meth mouth, which is severe tooth decay and Smoking and Other Tobacco Use usually causes a decrease of saliva. Incidental radiation to the salivary glands during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer often causes severe xerostomia (5200 cGy causes severe, permanent dryness, but even low doses can cause temporary drying). 