Dry Cleaning Oral Hygiene for Patients With Xerostomia by Deborah Lyle

Some patients require a little more help and encouragement with their oral hygiene than others and we as healthcare professionals must be alert to these individuals. Patients such as those with xerostomia, or dry mouth, for example, need to be particularly vigilant with their self-care routine.

Xerostomia is not a disease of itself, but a manifestation of another problem. It is typically found in patients who are undergoing treatment for cancer of the head and neck, or for individuals with diseases such as Sjörgen’s Syndrome, diabetes or HIV/AIDS. Older patients will almost certainly suffer dry mouth, not because of their age, but because they are most likely to be taking prescription medication of which dry mouth is a common side effect.

Effective oral hygiene is imperative for patients with dry mouth, as they are more susceptible to periodontal disease, dental decay and infections such as oral candidiasis.

A lack of sufficient saliva can leave patients with a constant dry feeling in the mouth and throat, burning sensation on the tongue, mouth ulcers and bad breath. They experience difficulties when eating, speaking and wearing removable dentures, and can go on to develop further destructive complications such as bruxism.

There are a range of dry mouth products that patients can try such as sprays and lozenges, as well as sipping water, use of sugar-free chewing gum and certain lifestyle changes. Alcohol, caffeinated drinks, smoking and chewing tobacco can all impact salivary flow and exacerbate dry mouth. Mouth breathing will also worsen the condition and patients should try to avoid acidic, spicy or sugary food and drink.

Patients with xerostomia are advised to adopt a thorough oral hygiene regime that includes interdental cleaning to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Most patients are familiar with dental floss, however compliance tends to be low and there are doubts amongst the profession as to its effectiveness against gingival inflammation and plaque control[i].

The Water Flosser is one of the most widely researched oral hygiene products available today. It operates via pressurised water flow through the tip, which disrupts and removes debris and bacteria from the targeted area. Patients with dry mouth often experience the first signs of tooth decay along the gingival margin, therefore effective cleaning of this area is critical to prevent disease. This is where the Water Flosser really comes into its own. In contrast with dental floss, the Water Flosser not only cleans between the teeth but also deep below the gingival margin, flushing out bacteria where other devices simply can’t reach.

One of the leading brands in the UK and worldwide is the Waterpik® Water Flosser. It has the backing of over 55 published clinical studies that demonstrate its oral hygiene benefits to patients, including those with braces, implants, crowns and bridges. Clinically proven superior to dental floss in the reduction of bleeding[ii] and gingivitis[iii], the Waterpik® Water Flosser also removes more plaque than dental floss from the marginal (33%)[iv], lingual (39%)^iv and facial (24%)^iv regions after just one use.

With its considerable advantages on offer, a Water Flosser is an excellent recommendation for any patient. Only through a combination of patient education and an evidence-based method of efficient plaque removal can we have confidence in the prevention of oral disease for all of our patients, whatever their age, lifestyle or level of health and wellbeing.

To learn more about the Waterpik® Water Flosser and the other products in the Waterpik® Range go to www.waterpik.co.uk.