xerostomia
Meaning of xerostomia: Xerostomia is persistent dry mouth from reduced saliva, commonly caused by medications, radiation therapy, or an underlying gland disorder.
Definition of xerostomia
Xerostomia is a condition marked by a persistently dry sensation in the mouth, occurring when the salivary glands fail to produce enough saliva to keep the mouth adequately moist. Saliva plays several roles beyond comfort, including helping to break down food, protecting teeth from decay, and supporting the ability to taste and swallow comfortably.
Xerostomia has many possible causes, including certain medications, particularly those with anticholinergic effects, radiation therapy directed at the head or neck, dehydration, and autoimmune conditions such as Sjogren syndrome that directly damage the salivary glands. The underlying cause often determines whether the dryness is temporary or persistent.
Because reduced saliva removes some of its normal protective effects, xerostomia is associated with an increased risk of dental cavities, mouth sores, and difficulty wearing dentures comfortably, making evaluation of its underlying cause relevant beyond the discomfort of dryness alone.
Also known as
Used in a sentence
The patient reported persistent xerostomia following radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
Good to know
Xerostomia can result from many unrelated causes, including common medications and radiation therapy, so its presence alone does not point to a single underlying condition without further evaluation.
Word origin
Where “xerostomia” comes from
Formed from Greek xeros, meaning dry, and stoma, meaning mouth.