Dry Mouth Quiz - Symptoms and Treatments

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following symptoms is NOT associated with dry mouth?

Chronic cough (correct)

Fissured tongue

Dysphagia

Halitosis

What is one non-drug treatment for dry mouth?

Taking oral steroids

Sipping or spraying water frequently (correct)

Ingesting caffeine beverages

Using specialized mouthwash

Which of the following drug treatments is most commonly used for dry mouth?

Saliva substitutes or stimulants (correct)

Topical antifungals

Antihistamines

Systemic corticosteroids

Which of the following is a recommended practice to prevent dry mouth?

Using a humidifier at home Signup and view all the answers

What is a common oral condition associated with dry mouth?

Oral thrush Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential long term effect of dry mouth?

Oral candidiasis Signup and view all the answers

Which condition can contribute to dry mouth due to obstruction or infection?

Salivary gland malignancy Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological factors can lead to dry mouth?

Anxiety and stress Signup and view all the answers

What could be a symptom of damage to salivary glands?

Dysgeusia (altered taste sensation) Signup and view all the answers

What long term effect is associated with a lack of saliva due to dry mouth?

Infection of major salivary glands Signup and view all the answers

Which mouthwash contains chlorhexidine gluconate and is recommended for gingivitis treatment?

Eludril Signup and view all the answers

What is a common sign of xerostomia?

Thick or stringy saliva Signup and view all the answers

How does saliva help protect teeth?

By protecting against decay Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a symptom of dry mouth?

Excessive saliva Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is known to cause a decrease in saliva production?

Sjogren’s syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is one function of saliva in the oral cavity?

Aids in taste perception Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is a potential cause of dehydration leading to dry mouth?

Vomiting Signup and view all the answers

Which type of mouthwash is indicated for general mouth care but not specifically for gingivitis treatment?

Hexetidine mouthwash Signup and view all the answers

What psychogenic factor can temporarily cause dry mouth?

Anxiety Signup and view all the answers

Chronic dry mouth can lead to which of the following complications?

Oral infections Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended frequency for replacing toothbrushes?

Every 1-3 months Signup and view all the answers

What type of toothbrush is preferred for oral hygiene?

Powered electric toothbrush Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice when brushing teeth?

Rinse mouth thoroughly after brushing Signup and view all the answers

What should be used to clean between teeth according to the recommendations?

Dental floss or interdental brushes Signup and view all the answers

What action should you take if you notice bleeding while brushing?

Check the toothbrush for wear Signup and view all the answers

What is a symptom that could indicate the need for referral due to potential periodontitis?

Gums bleeding without trauma Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is known to have a side effect that includes gum hypertrophy?

Phenytoin Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is a differential diagnosis for gingivitis and typically presents with white and red areas in the mucosa?

Desquamative gingivitis Signup and view all the answers

What should be advised for the management of gingivitis?

Regular review with dentist or hygienist Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is NOT a differential diagnosis for gingivitis?

Acne vulgaris Signup and view all the answers

In children, which viral condition might present similarly to gingivitis?

Herpetic gingivostomatitis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following indicates a non-traumatic cause of gum bleeding?

Improper tooth brushing technique Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is correctly associated with gum hypertrophy?

Hormonal changes Signup and view all the answers

What type of conditions are gum diseases classified as?

Inflammatory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of gingivitis?

Can be reversible Signup and view all the answers

What is a symptom commonly associated with gingivitis?

Bleeding gums Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of chronic periodontitis?

Halitosis and foul taste Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can contribute to the development of gingivitis?

Pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign that suggests the progression to periodontitis?

Gum recession Signup and view all the answers

Which process describes how plaque buildup can lead to gingivitis?

Formation of pockets between teeth and gums Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors is NOT associated with gingivitis risk?

Regular flossing Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of inflammation in gingivitis?

Formation of dental calculus Signup and view all the answers

In the disease progression of gingivitis, what happens after plaque buildup if not managed?

Tooth root erosion Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Oral Health

Gum diseases are inflammatory conditions
Gingivitis is caused by bacteria buildup in dental plaque, affecting gum tissue.
Calculus (tartar) forms when plaque builds up on teeth
Gingivitis does not damage the tooth supporting tissues
Gingivitis is usually mild and can be reversed with proper oral hygiene.
Chronic periodontitis involves supporting tissues around teeth.
Chronic periodontitis leads to irreversible tissue damage and bone loss, potentially resulting in tooth loss.
Progression is gradual.

Disease Progression of Gingivitis

Plaque buildup occurs each day.
If not brushed away, bacteria forms calculus
Calculus holds bacteria
Enzymes and toxins cause inflammation
Inflammation in the gum (gingiva) over years can lead to damage
Tooth root erodes and teeth loosen
This is known as periodontitis.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

Inflammation in the gums.
Swollen, red and sore gums
Bleeding easily with brushing, flossing, or eating hard food.
Plaque visibility
No fever and no other symptoms

Suspect Periodontitis

Halitosis (bad breath).
Difficulty chewing and eating.
Pain
Loose or drifting teeth
Sign of infection - abscess or pus

Epidemiology of Gingivitis

Poor nutrition.
Ineffective oral hygiene.
Pregnancy.
Diabetes.
Smoking.
Immunocompromised
Age
Drugs that cause dry mouth.
Stress
Local factors

Questioning Patients with Gingivitis

Confirm symptoms consistent with gingivitis.
Bleeding - with or without injury
Toothbrushing technique.
Other medications. e.g warfarin, heparins, NSAIDS, or phenytoin which causes gum hypertrophy.

Differential Diagnosis of Gingivitis

Oral malignancy
Herpetic gingivostomatitis
Desquamative gingivitis
Bleeding disorders
Platelet disorders
Vascular conditions
Gum hypertrophy
Drug adverse reactions (ADR)
Hormonal changes
Allergic reactions
Denture-related trauma or candidiasis

Management of Gingivitis

Advise on regular review with dentist.
Identify and manage risk factors (e.g., smoking).
Oral hygiene advice.
Brush teeth twice a day for two minutes.
Use appropriate electric toothbrushes with small heads
Replacement of toothbrushes 1-3 months, or sooner if signs of wear
Use fluoride toothpaste
Dental floss or interdental brushes.
Mouthwash (optional) unless inflammation is evident.

Treatment of Gingivitis

Dental cleaning (scaling and polishing).
Smoking cessation advice.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Dry, sticky feeling in mouth or throat
Insufficient saliva which feels thick or stringy
Rough, dry tongue
Sore throat
Bad breath
Difficulty swallowing or chewing
Cracked lips
Burning sensation in mouth.
Altered sense of taste.
Oral infections.

Causes of Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Dehydration caused by fluid loss
Vomiting and diarrhea
Hypercalcaemia
Uncontrolled diabetes Mellitus
Medications
Medical conditions like Sjogren's syndrome, HIV or Hep C infections
Stress or anxiety
Psychogenic causes such as anxiety (short-term)
Poor oral intake (e.g. Dysphagia)
Radiation or surgery that injures salivary glands.
Obstructions to or infections of salivary glands
Malignancy affecting salivary glands

Long Term Effects of Dry Mouth

Dental caries.
Oral candidiasis
Infection of major salivary glands
Altered taste sensation (dysgeusia).
Impaired sense of smell (dysosmia).
Bad breath (halitosis).
Burning or tingling of mouth (oral dysesthesia)
Thick and sticky saliva
Dry or damaged mouth mucosa.
Difficulty chewing and swallowing
Mouth soreness

Non-Drug Treatments for Dry Mouth

Increased water intake
Sugar free boiled sweets, gum, pastilles
Petroleum jelly
Avoiding mouth breathing
Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, tobacco
Humidifier

Drug Treatments for Dry Mouth

Saliva replacement gel
Oral sprays (e.g. biotene)
Gel or aerosol sprays.
Xerotin oral spray
Glandosane aerosol spray
Saliveze oral spray
Chlohexidine gluconate mouthwash

Cold Sores

Transmission by direct contact between people
Virus lies dormant in sensory ganglia
Activated or triggered by factors
Cold sore lesion reappears
Infections of the skin around mouth or nose.

Epidemiology of Cold Sores

Viral infection – herpes simplex virus (HSV)
Between 20-40% of people have had herpes simplex labialis at some point in their lifetime
Approx 2 episodes per year but 5-10%<6
Some experience symptoms once.
May have the virus but not manifested into infection.

Signs and Symptoms of Cold Sores

Itchy, burning, or tingling at the site
Skin eruption (10-14 day process)
Blister or vesicle
Red, fluid-filled bladder
Cracks over, dries, itchy, sore
Skin heals in 7-10 days

Differential Diagnosis of Cold Sores

Viral infection (e.g. common cold).
Menstruation
Dental or surgical procedures
Immunosuppression or weakened immunity
Impetigo.

Treatment of Cold Sores

Aciclovir (5% w/w, topical).
Apply 5 times a day (usually 5 days, up to 10 days).
Hygiene - wash hands before and after.

Non-Drug Advice for Cold Sores

Contact avoidance
Prevention is better than cure
Hygiene.
Share with the patient what triggers flare ups.
Advice on how to manage symptoms.
Educate on when to refer a patient

Referral Points for Cold Sores

Symptoms lasting longer than 14 days.
Increased symptoms like fever and difficult swallowing
Spreading infection to other parts of body
Symptoms such as multiple lesions
Immunocompromised patients

Mouth Ulcers (Aphthous Ulcers)

Cannot be passed from person to person
Unknown cause
Often recurrent, episodic, and/or a persistent
Can be triggered by genetics, stress factors, trauma, deficiencies, or inflammatory conditions.
Can occur in all ages

Epidemiology of Mouth Ulcers

Very common - 75-85% of aphthous ulcers.
Round or ovoid, grey-white in colour.
Affect non-keratinized mucosa (e.g., cheeks, tongue, inside lips)
Small (2-4 mm; shallow) with a clearly rimmed margin.

Characteristics of Minor Ulcers

Very common
Round or ovoid
Grey-white in colour
Affect non-keratinized mucosa (e.g., cheeks, tongue, inside lips)
Small (2-4 mm); shallow with a clearly rimmed margin
Usually heal in 7-10 days with minimal scarring.

Characteristics of Major Ulcers

Less common (10-15% of aphthous ulcers)
Larger (1–3 cm)
Greater duration (10 days to 6 weeks or longer).
More significant pain and dysphagia.
Can occur in groups (up to 6) on oral sites including the palate and dorsum of the tongue.

Characteristics Herpetiform Ulcers

Uncommon
Multiple pinhead sized sores that join to make a larger area of ulceration.
Painful.
Can affect any oral site, including palate & dorsal tongue.
10 days to heal.

Differential Diagnosis of Mouth Ulcers

Oral malignancy.
Aphthous-like ulcers (recurrent).
Other systemic conditions: Vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency
Coeliacs disease; IBD Crohn's; Ulcerative Colitis.
Systemic diseases: Immunodeficiency, Epstein-Barr virus.
Primary oral herpes simplex.
Adverse drug reactions (e.g., NSAIDs, Nicorandil, Beta blockers).
Chickenpox
Hand, foot, and mouth disease

Treatment of Mouth Ulcers

Gels, pastes, mouthwashes, liquids
Local anaesthetic, e.g. lidocaine, benzocaine
Antibacterial (e.g., chlorhexidine or benzalkonium).
Protective base (e.g., carmellose)
Avoiding spicy foods, citrus fruits, acidic drinks.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush

General advice for mouth ulcers

Avoid spicy foods; acidic food and drinks
Use a straw to drink to avoid liquids touching ulcers
Use a soft toothbrush
Get regular dental check-ups
Avoid toothpastes with SLS
Saltwater mouthwashes

Headaches

Location, Speed of onset, Duration, Frequency, Severity, Aggravating or relieving factors.
Impact on daily living, Social, emotional, and psychological impact, Medications, and other symptoms.

Types of Headaches

Migraine: Moderate to severe, throbbing pain, usually unilateral.
Tension: Mild to moderate, dull ache, bilateral.
Cluster: Severe, piercing, unilateral pain, often behind one eye.

Cluster Headaches

Severe, unilateral pain, often behind one eye
Duration: 15 minutes to 3 hours
Frequency: Once every other day to 8 times a day; often with circadian rhythm
Often at same time of day or cluster at same time each year
Associated with autonomic symptoms (lacrimation, rhinorrhea, facial sweating, agitation)

Chronic Headaches

Headache on 15 days or more per month.
Most chronic headache results from transformation of episodic headache disorders.
Most common causes are medication overuse, chronic tension headaches, and chronic migraine.

Medication Overuse Headaches

Analgesic overuse causes increased pain receptors.
Increased sensitivity to pain from frequent analgesics use (e.g. over-the-counter pain relief - ibuprofen).
Usually occurring every day after it starts and becomes unremitting.
May mimic clinical features of tension or migraine headaches, frequently mild or moderate
Does not impact daily activities.

Secondary Headaches

Pathology causes irritation and stretching of meninges.
Caused by inflammation (meningitis, encephalitis)
Tumours
Haematoma (head injury)
Space occupying lesions: Tumours/cerebral abscesses compress brain tissue
Increasing intracranial pressure
Eye strain
Glaucoma
Sinus (sinusitis)
Muscle strain or pulled ligaments in neck/upper back
Shingles affecting scalp or eyes
Hypertension (rarely)
Subarachnoid/subdural haemorrhage

Symptoms of Secondary Headaches

Spasms or fatigue of ciliary and periorbital muscles of eye
Referred pain from jaw (dental pain)
Sinusitis
Muscles strain or pulled ligaments in the neck/upper back
Shingles affecting scalp or eyes
Temporal arteritis
Hypertension
Haemorrhage (subarachnoid/subdural)

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. This quiz covers symptoms, treatments, and causes of this condition. Answer questions about non-drug therapies, common oral issues, and the role of saliva in oral health.