What is a common intervention for patients with xerostomia?

In managing xerostomia, or dry mouth, recommending sugar-free gum is a common and effective intervention. Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which can provide relief from dryness and help maintain oral health. Increased saliva flow can aid in remineralizing teeth, washing away food particles, and neutralizing acids that can cause tooth decay, thus providing a multifaceted benefit in the context of oral hygiene.

This approach is particularly important because xerostomia can increase the risk of dental caries and other oral health issues due to the reduction in natural saliva, which plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy oral environment. By encouraging the use of sugar-free gum, dental professionals promote a non-invasive method to combat some of the symptoms associated with xerostomia.

Other options, while they may have some relevance in dental care, do not directly address the need for saliva stimulation or relief from dry mouth symptoms as effectively as recommending sugar-free gum.