Learning Objectives: 

• Identify subtle, hidden, or underappreciated dry mouth risks
• Learn how to perform a simple dry mouth risk assessment
• Establish clear clinical goals for managing dry mouth symptoms
• Describe how different dry mouth products target specific symptoms
• Develop management strategies that consider product efficacy, ease- of use, and cost
• Create effective chairside conversations that support patient- centered recommendations

Dry mouth issues are complex and multifactorial. Living with dry mouth, day in and day out, is a quality-of-life issue. It impacts oral wellness, dietary intake, oral communication, sleeping habits, self-esteem, and ramps up the risk for caries, erosion, dentinal hypersensitivity and fungal infections. A wide range of myths and misconceptions create chaos in understanding dry mouth risks. It is not just about aging or medications. Today, people of all ages are at increased risk for developing dry mouth, and it’s complicated. Today there are a wide range of options that can mitigate discomfort or reduce the damage created by dry mouth. The more we know, the better we can serve others.