Examination signs that a patient is experiencing xerostomia include which of the following?

Examination signs that a patient is experiencing xerostomia include which of the following?

• A. Mucosa dry and friable
• B. Mucosa moist and supple
• C. Normal pooling of saliva
• D. No change in mucosa

Answer: (A)

Xerostomia reflects reduced saliva production, so the mouth loses its natural lubrication and protective moist lining. On examination the mucosa appears dry and can be friable, meaning it may crack or tear more easily because there isn’t enough saliva to keep it supple. This contrasts with a mucosa that is moist and supple, which indicates adequate saliva; normal pooling of saliva suggests sufficient flow; and no change in mucosa implies there isn’t a dry-mouth state. So the sign that best indicates xerostomia is mucosa that is dry and friable.

Xerostomia reflects reduced saliva production, so the mouth loses its natural lubrication and protective moist lining. On examination the mucosa appears dry and can be friable, meaning it may crack or tear more easily because there isn’t enough saliva to keep it supple. This contrasts with a mucosa that is moist and supple, which indicates adequate saliva; normal pooling of saliva suggests sufficient flow; and no change in mucosa implies there isn’t a dry-mouth state. So the sign that best indicates xerostomia is mucosa that is dry and friable.