Because many patients are unaware they have dry mouth, privately held K Pharmaceuticals has launched the “first” in-office Personalized Xerostomia Treatment Plan (PXP) tool to help dentists identify and manage the condition.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, PXP is designed to be used by every patient, every visit. It provides clear guidelines and an easy-to-follow approach to help patients identify and understand dry mouth symptoms. Crucially, PXP also helps patients re-evaluate treatment options based on their changing health needs.
“Ironically, many people who suffer from dry mouth are unaware of their condition,” says Melissa Turner, BASDH, RDHEP, EFDA, a registered dental hygienist and dental brand strategist. “Xerostomia has become a silent epidemic that can compromise a patient’s overall health and often reduces their quality of life.”
The PXP tool was developed in partnership with Turner, who highlights the tool’s role in raising awareness among dental professionals and patients. “PXP is about moving the conversation forward and enabling us to work together to alleviate dry mouth,” she added.
The protocol comes at a time when cases of dry mouth are increasing. Dry mouth was once primarily associated with the elderly or disease-related dry mouth. According to the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, dry mouth occurs in at least 20% of the general population, with higher rates in women (up to 30%) and older adults (up to 50%).
In the United States, dry mouth affects approximately 30% of patients over the age of 65 and approximately 40% of patients over the age of 80, according to the American Dental Association. Additionally, side effects of most medications (including popular diet pills), the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, and increased use of marijuana are contributing to the rising incidence of dry mouth.
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