As dental professionals, we understand that oral health encompasses more than what we see on the tooth surface—it’s also about the environment within which those teeth and gums exist.

One condition that frequently goes under-recognized, yet has very real implications for our patients, is xerostomia (commonly known as dry mouth). Studies estimate that approximately 20% (or 1 in 5) of adults experience dry-mouth symptoms (1). Prevalence rises significantly with age and medication use (2).

Dry mouth isn’t just a minor discomfort—it can compromise saliva’s critical roles in lubricating tissues, cleansing the oral cavity, buffering acid, and protecting the teeth and mucosa. It affects not only comfort and quality of life, but also increases risk for dental caries, erosion, mucosal breakdown, and even challenges in prosthesis retention (3).