Diagnostic Tests for Dry mouth

Diagnostic Test list for Dry mouth:

The list of diagnostic tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Dry mouth includes:

• Physical examination
  • Look for evidence of dehydration
  • Inspect for dental caries which may be a complication of dry mouth
  • Inspect for oral candidiasis which may be a complication of dental caries
  • If suspect salivary gland stones, the stones can sometimes be felt in the floor of the mouth
  • Full physical examination may reveal features of systemic disease - e.g. Diabetes mellitus, Rheumatoid arthritis, primary biliary cirrhosis, thyroid disease.
• Blood tests
  • Full blood count
  • Blood glucose
  • Thyroid function tests
  • Raised Immunoglobulin levels and presence of certain autoantibodies may suggest diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome - e.g. Rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibodies, antimitochondrial antibodies, Anti-Ro (SSA) antibodies.
  • Alkaline phosphatase is elevated in primary biliary cirrhosis
  • Erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity ( Vitamin B2 status) - not widely available.
  • HIV serology if appropriate
• Urine drug screen for amphetamines and marijuana - if suspected.
• Radiological investigations
  • Xray of salivary glands - if suspect salivary gland stone; may reveal the stone.
  • CT sialography - if suspect salivary gland stone may show obstruction of duct.
• Schirmer tear test if also complain of dry eyes - a strip of filter paper is placed on the inside of the lower eyelid and wetting of less than 10mm in 5 minutes indicates defective tear production and thus dry eyes.

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