Course Credit: 4 Credit Hours
Test time limit: Unlimited within the course time limit
Course time limit: 30 days from the date of purchase

Course outline

• Definition
• Overview
• Salivation Mechanism
• Chemical composition of Saliva
• Functions of saliva
• Signs and symptoms of xerostomia
• Complications associated with xerostomia
• Common causes of xerostomia;
  • Medications
  • Diseases and conditions that cause xerostomia
  • Head and neck radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapeutic drugs
• Diagnosis and evaluation of xerostomia
  • Questionnaire
  • Observation
  • Testing
• Management of Xerostomia patient
  • Self-Monitoring and care
  • Sialagogues
  • Saliva stimulants
  • Anti-xerostomia dentifrices
  • Prescription drugs
  • Current research

Course objective

This course is developed to give basic and necessary information regarding a common problem seen in dental practice named xerostomia or dry mouth. An overview on the subject as well as the mechanism of salivation is briefly explained. The composition of saliva and it functions are described. The learner is to learn about the signs and symptoms together with the possible complications of xerostomia. Common causes of xerostomia are presented in an easy style. The course exposes the learner to the diagnostic methodology including a set of questionnaire, observation protocol as well as testing methods for the patients who complain of dry mouth. Finally, the learner is educated of the prevailing method of management of this serious problem such as self-care, sialagogues, medications, saliva stimulants, and anti-xerostomia dentifrices.

No part of this workbook may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. Course developed by: Reda A. Abdel-Fattah, BDS, MS, MPS