Omeprazole and dry mouth. Reported side-effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation , and headache. We report the development of dry mouth during omeprazole therapy. We have identified six patients taking omeprazole for more than 6 weeks who complained of a dry mouth. Flow rates were evaluated both during and after cessation of treatment. Saliva produced was then cultured for microbes. Four of the six had subnormal parotid or whole salivary flow rates on treatment that recovered after stopping treatment.
The increase after treatment was marked in four. Significant amounts of Candida albicans grew from the saliva of the three patients with the lowest salivary flows; one saliva also grew Staphylococcus aureus. Salivary flow is reduced in some patients treated with omeprazole, returning to normal after cessation of treatment. This reduction may predispose to opportunistic infection, particularly in the edentulous.
Dry mouth and older people. Dry mouth is more common among older people than in any other age group. Appropriate definition and accurate measurement of dry mouth is critical for better understanding, monitoring and treatment of the condition. Xerostomia is the symptom s of dry mouth ; it can be measured using methods ranging from single questions to multi-item summated rating scales.
Low salivary flow known as salivary gland hypofunction, or SGH must be determined by measuring that flow. The relationship between SGH and xerostomia is not straightforward, but both conditions are common among older people, and they affect sufferers' day-to-day lives in important ways. The major risk factor for dry mouth is the taking of particular medications, and older people take more of those than any other age group, not only for symptomatic relief of various age-associated chronic diseases, but also in order to reduce the likelihood of complications which may arise from those conditions.
The greater the number taken, the greater the associated anticholinergic burden, and the more likely it is that the individual will suffer from dry mouth. Since treating dry mouth is such a challenge for clinicians, there is a need for dentists, doctors and pharmacists to work together to prevent it occurring. Dry Mouth Mouthwash, which also offer protection against tooth decay. Avoid using over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants Brush with a fluoride toothpaste β ask your dentist Dry Mouth.
