# Xerostomia --- **Xerostomia** is a dry [[mouth]], frequently caused by [[oropharyngeal cancer|oral cancer]] that damages the [[salivary glands]]. A lot of the time it is the radiation or surgery that is the cause. Another common cause are: - when patients are on [[antipsychotics]] - [[pharmacology|polypharmacy]] - on oxygen therapy - breath with their mouth open - have [[nutrition|NG tubes]] - this is why oral care Q2 is important - Patients on oxygen &/or those breathing with mouth open. - NG tubes need oral care q2 hrs. ## Nursing Considerations - sipping water - oral care - all hospital patients, at least twice a day - mouthwashes, lozenges, gums, gels, sprays for dry mouth - add humidification to oxygen ___