Dry Mouth

Dry mouth or xerostomia is prevalent in over 50% of CKD population. Mechanism include fluid restriction, UF on dialysis, and medications.

Dry mouth may contribute to taste changes and poor fluid restriction adherence.

Management

For patients on a fluid restriction, limit salt intake. Salt intake can increase thirst and exacerbate sensation of dry mouth.

1.     Strategies to increase saliva

• Sucking on mints or hard lollies to stimulate saliva flow
• Citrus/acidic foods such as sucking on frozen orange wedge or ice cubes made with lemon juice
• Chewing gum

2.     Strategies to replace saliva

• Biotene gel and spray
• Aquaspray
• Frequent mouthwashes with plain water, sodium bicarbonate mouthwash or soda water (Taste changes in advanced CKD factsheet)

3.     Oral hygiene

• Maintain oral hygiene such as Biotene products and mouthwashes
• Brush teeth after each meal
• Chewing gum

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