A dry mouth: Impact on patient quality of life
A dry mouth and quality of life
For some patients, a dry mouth can simply be a nuisance; for others it can have other effects on oral health.1
The impact of a dry mouth on patients
Effects of a dry mouth on patients
Signs of a dry mouth |
Physiological
|
Psychological
|
Depending on the cause, a dry mouth may be permanent or temporary, and signs may be physiological or psychological.1
People with a dry mouth would be motivated to act if they understood the potential oral health consequences. 7
Having a dry mouth can have a negative social and emotional impact on your patients’ quality of life2,4,5,8
A dry mouth can also be a health problem, as it may impact nutrition and social well-being, as well as contribute to physical problems.1,5 Almost half of people with a dry mouth reported being impacted frequently by physical pain, psychological discomfort and disability.9