DANB General Chairside Practice Test

Dry mouth is clinically referred to as what?

1. Xerostomia

2. Hypersalivation

3. Stomatitis

4. Sialorrhea

The correct answer is: Xerostomia

Dry mouth is clinically referred to as xerostomia. This condition occurs when the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva, leading to a dry feeling in the mouth. Xerostomia can be caused by various factors, including medication side effects, medical conditions such as diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome, dehydration, and radiation therapy. Recognizing xerostomia is essential not only for patient comfort but also for oral health, as saliva plays a critical role in maintaining the balance of the oral environment, aiding in digestion, and helping to prevent oral infections and tooth decay. Managing xerostomia often involves treatments aimed at increasing saliva production or using artificial saliva substitutes to alleviate symptoms. The other terms refer to different conditions: hypersalivation indicates excessive salivation, stomatitis refers to inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth, and sialorrhea describes a condition characterized by excessive drooling, which is quite the opposite of dry mouth. Understanding these distinctions helps in addressing patient concerns appropriately.