Observations, knowledge, and attitude towards treatment options in patients with dry mouth: a survey among German dentists.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the attitude, observations, and knowledge of German dentists regarding the management of dry mouth. A questionnaire including queries about attitudes, observations, and treatment options in patients with dry mouth was developed and sent to all 1251 dentist members of a regional German dental association. An overall total of 284 returned questionnaires were included in the analyses, which relates to a response rate of 22.7%. Dentists infrequently encountered dry mouth in their clinical routine, yet were well aware that patients suffer from the symptoms of dry mouth; for affected patients, the majority of participating dentists provided specific dental prophylaxis measures. Drug side effects, neoplasia, and psychological disorders were regarded as the primary etiological factors for dry mouth, and caries, increased plaque formation, and rhagades as the most frequently observed clinical symptoms. While the majority of participating dentists was of the opinion that saliva substitutes are useful treatment options in patients with dry mouth, only few frequently recommended their use. Mechanical and gustatory stimulation of salivary flow as well as the advice to rinse with water were the most frequently pursued treatment options. Despite the high prevalence of dry mouth identified in epidemiological studies, it appears to be an infrequent observation in clinical routine. Pre- and postgraduate education should sensitize dentists for dry mouth and its treatment options.