Dry mouth in the seriously ill and dying.

Abstract

Dry mouth constitutes a significant problem for most patients with grave illnesses and a need for palliative treatment. The main causes are pharmaceuticals, diseases and cancer treatment, which are often associated with increasing age. The condition may give rise to discomfort, pain, dysphagia, speech problems, increased caries activity, dehydration, malnutrition and loss of appetite. There are few evidence-based remedies against this condition. An apparently trivial problem like dry mouth may therefore cause deterioration of the clinical picture and a reduced quality of life.