Putri Nabila

Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi, Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang, Indonesia

Zulfa Fidi Pranadwista

Departemen Ilmu Penyakit Mulut, Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi, Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.19184/stoma.v23i2.60027

ABSTRACT 

Xerostomia is a subjective sensation of oral dryness that is frequently associated with decreased salivary flow (hyposalivation). This condition can be influenced by various factors, including systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, the duration of the disease, and the use of antidiabetic medication which have been reported to affect salivary gland function. The aim of this research to describe the management and clinical outcome of xerostomia in an elderly patient with diabetes mellitus receiving long-term antidiabetic therapy. A 77-year-old woman presented with a three-month history of dry mouth, particularly upon awakening in the morning. The patient had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus 26 years earlier and had been receiving long-term treatment with metformin and glimepiride. Palliative treatment with a chlorine dioxide oral spray was prescribed, accompanied by patient education regarding oral hygiene practices, adequate hydration, and lifestyle modification. At the follow-up visit, the patient reported symptomatic improvement, As evidence by an increase in salivary flow rate. This case highlights the xerostomia in patients with diabetes mellitus is associated with the duration of the disease and the long-term antidiabetic medication. The combination of chlorine dioxide oral spray and oral health education was associated with improvement of xerostomia symptoms and increased salivary flow rate, suggesting its potential benefit as a supportive management approach. 

Keywords: Antidiabetic drugs, Diabetes mellitus, Salivary flow rate, Xerostomia.