WHAT IS IT?

Xerostomia

Xerostomia is a medical term for dry mouth resulting from reduced or absent saliva. Xerostomia isn’t a disease, but it may be a symptom of various medical conditions, a side effect of a radiation treatment to the head and neck, or a side effect of a variety of medications.

It is a common complaint found often among older adults, affecting approximately 20% of the elderly. It may accompany dry eyes. If arthritis is present it’s called Sjogren’s syndrome.