Medication Link to Dry Mouth Exploration by EIOH
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common side effect of medications taken by adults, with around 500 different medications known to block the normal function of the salivary glands. This condition can lead to a host of oral health problems, including aggressive and rampant decay, soft tissue damage, problems with speaking and swallowing, and upper respiratory tract infections.
A new study, funded by the National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), part of the National Institutes for Health, aims to explore potential genetic markers for dry mouth. The study is being conducted by Dr. Szilvia Arany, D.M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health.
Dr. Arany's patient population at the Eastman Institute's Specialty Care Clinic includes a high number of middle-aged and older adult patients with complex medical-socio-psychological issues who are at risk for dry mouth due to multiple medications. The saliva secretion is very sensitive to these medications, and information on the oral health side effects of these medications is minimal.
The study's findings could have significant implications for high-risk patients, as they could be selected to receive prevention and targeted treatment before the damage to their oral health becomes irreversible. Furthermore, a better understanding of potential genetic markers for dry mouth could help patients suffering with oral dryness due to other diseases and conditions, such as Sjogren's, autoimmunity conditions, and diabetes.
The NIDCR award not only funds innovative research but also helps new investigators with their career development. Dr. Arany hopes to identify high-risk xerostomia patients in the middle-aged population before they reach older ages when damage to oral health is irreversible.
It's important to note that approximately 20% of the U.S. adult population now takes five or more drugs, increasing the likelihood of dry mouth as a side effect. The name of the person conducting the NIDCR-funded study on potential genetic markers for dry mouth is not provided in the given search results. Nonetheless, this study promises to shed light on a significant issue that affects a large portion of the population and could lead to improved oral health outcomes for many.
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