Xerostomia

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Restorative care that focuses on your oral health

Xerostomia is the medical term for dry mouth, also known as salivary gland hypofunction.

Saliva protects our teeth and oral tissues. It aids digestion, taste and speech. Saliva is a sensitive indicator of systemic conditions and diseases. Having a dry mouth is not normal and medical help should be sought.

What is xerostomia?

Patients with dry mouths who do not seek preventive dental care in the early stages will usually present with severe dental caries. This may be accompanied by mucositis or general inflammation of the oral tissues.

What is involved in getting treatment for xerostomia?

The paediatric dentist at our clinic in Singapore will bring your child through a few processes.

Our dental specialist/ dentist will find out the details of your medical and dental history, go through a consultation and examination and take a digital X-ray of your teeth to enable a thorough and detailed diagnosis. Xerostomia may present early with little or mild symptoms. Symptoms worsen when there is increased difficulty in speech and eating, coupled with halitosis (bad breath).

At this point of time, there is still no cure for xerostomia. Hence, treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms and preventing cavities.

Other home management strategies you can perform include:

Using fluoride toothpaste
Brushing your teeth at least 4 times daily after each meal and before bedtime
Rinsing and wiping your mouth immediately after meals
Applying fluoride gel at bedtimes as prescribed
Avoiding citrus juices (oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes) and foods and drinks with high sugar content
Using moisturizers regularly on the lips

Avoid the use of decongestants and antihistamines.

Sip non-carbonated sugarless fluids frequently

Use a carboxymethyl cellulose saliva substitute as a mouthwash

Use of an enzymatic product such as Biotene toothpaste, mouthwash, and dry mouth moisturizing liquid to reduce the rate of recurrence of dental plaque

See your dentist regularly for 6 monthly check-ups to maintain your oral health

Xerostomia treatment fees

Wondering if Medisave can be used for xerostomia treatment?

Medisave does not apply to consultation fees for Xerostomia. However, depending on the treatment required, Medisave may apply to certain surgical procedures.
For more details on Medisave coverage, please visit our Medisave page.

Consultation & Examination	$100 – 250
Digital x-ray	$170 (OPG), $50 (PA)
CT scan	$350 – 650 (depends on whether it is one jaw or two jaws)
Treatment fees will vary depending on your dental condition.	Your dental specialist will discuss the applicable fees with you prior to commencing treatment

*All fees are subject to prevailing Singapore Goods and Services Tax.
*All fees are subject to change without prior notice.

The information provided above is of a general nature only as you would need to be examined by our dental specialists/ dentists in order to confirm the best treatment option for you.