Fluoride Therapy - 4
It is important to note that clients with permanent xerostomia, such as clients with Sjogren's Syndrome or damage from head and neck radiation, will have a lifetime risk of increased dental caries.14, 19, 20 These clients should consider using mouth rinses and dentifrices that contain sodium bicarbonate, which may improve the buffering effects of saliva, thus raising the oral pH and altering pathogenic oral flora.21,22 There are numerous sodium bicarbonate products available on the market, and the effects of these agents warrant further study in these populations.
Xerostomia has also been associated with dentinal hypersensitivity of exposed root surfaces in areas of gingival recession.14,23 In clients with gingival recession, fluorides provide the dual benefit of reduced dentinal hypersensitivity and dental caries control. While clients may experience some relief from using supplemental home fluorides, additional relief may be obtained through the use of fluorides specifically intended for desensitization. Clients with hypersensitivity should be placed on an OTC sensitivity protection dentifrice containing sodium fluoride and potassium nitrate, and treated professionally with sodium fluoride varnishes (Duraphat® k) or stannous Duolide desensitizing agents (Dentinbloc®), all of which occlude the dentinal tubules.
