Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Dry Mouth pp 69–80Cite as

Oral Dryness, Dietary Intake, and Alterations in Taste

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

  • 2168 Accesses

Abstract

Xerostomia and decreased salivary secretion may give rise to a number of oral complications. These include dry, atrophic and tender oral mucosa; impaired mastication, food bolus formation, and swallowing; altered sensation of taste; as well as increased risk of developing dental caries and erosion that could be followed by tooth loss. These are all complications that theoretically may have a negative impact on dietary intake. Although the literature does not present a direct association between decreased salivary secretion and malnutrition, it is concluded that salivary gland dysfunction may add to the conditions that make it difficult to maintain an adequate dietary intake in some individuals. Also, the opposite can occur. Thus, persons with an inadequate dietary intake may present with xerostomia and decreased salivary secretion. Therefore, clinical recommendations for counseling of dry mouth patients should draw attention to the impact of an unbalanced diet on salivary secretion and emphasize that oral dryness may have a negative impact on food consumption.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   159.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Bardow A, Pedersen AM, Nauntofte B. Saliva. In: Miles T, Nauntofte B, Svensson P, editors. Clinical oral physiology. Copenhagen: Quintessence Publishing Co. Ltd.; 2004. p. 17–51.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Vellas B, Villars H, Abellan G, Soto ME, Rolland Y, Guigoz Y, et al. Overview of the MNA – its history and challenges. J Nutr Health Aging. 2006;10(6):456–63.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Detsky AS, Baker JP, Mendelson RA, Wolman SL, Wesson DE, Jeejeebhoy KN. Evaluating the accuracy of nutritional assessment techniques applied to hospitalized patients: methodology and comparisons. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 1984;8(2):153–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Dormenval V, Budtz-Jørgensen E, Mojon P, Bruyere A, Rapin CH. Associations between malnutrition, poor general health and oral dryness in hospitalized elderly patients. Age Ageing. 1998;27(2):123–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. El Osta N, Hennequin M, Tubert-Jeannin S, Abboud Naaman NB, El OL, Geahchan N. The pertinence of oral health indicators in nutritional studies in the elderly. Clin Nutr. 2014;33(2):316–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Soini H, Routasalo P, Lauri S, Ainamo A. Oral and nutritional status in frail elderly. Spec Care Dent. 2003;23(6):209–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Holm B, Söderhamn O. Factors associated with nutritional status in a group of people in an early stage of dementia. Clin Nutr. 2003;22(4):385–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Soini H, Muurinen S, Routasalo P, Sandelin E, Savikko N, Suominen M, et al. Oral and nutritional status – is the MNA a useful tool for dental clinics. J Nutr Health Aging. 2006;10(6):495–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Syrjäla AM, Pussinen PI, Komulainen K, Nykanen I, Knuuttila M, Ruoppi P, et al. Salivary flow rate and risk of malnutrition – a study among dentate, community-dwelling older people. Gerodontology. 2013;30(4):270–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Mesas AE, Andrade SM, Cabrera MA, Bueno VL. Oral health status and nutritional deficit in noninstitutionalized older adults in Londrina, Brazil. Rev Bras Epidemiol. 2010;13(3):434–45.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Samnieng P, Ueno M, Shinada K, Zaitsu T, Wright FAC, Kawaguchi Y. Association of hyposalivation with oral function, nutrition and oral health in community-dwelling elderly Thai. Community Dent Health 2012;29(1):117–23.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Rhodus NL, Brown J. The association of xerostomia and inadequate intake in older adults. J Am Diet Assoc. 1990;90(12):1688–92.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Rhodus NL. Qualitative nutritional intake analysis of older adults with Sjogren’s syndrome. Gerodontology. 1988;7(2):61–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Guenther PM, Reedy J, Krebs-Smith SM, Reeve BB. Evaluation of the healthy eating index-2005. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008;108(11):1854–64.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Guenther PM, Reedy J, Krebs-Smith SM. Development of the healthy eating index-2005. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008;108(11):1896–901.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Quandt SA, Savoca MR, Leng X, Chen H, Bell RA, Gilbert GH, et al. Dry mouth and dietary quality in older adults in North Carolina. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2011;59(3):439–45.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  17. Sheiham A, Steele JG, Marcenes W, Finch S, Walls AW. The impact of oral health on stated ability to eat certain foods; findings from the national diet and nutrition survey of older people in Great Britain. Gerodontology. 1999;16(1):11–20.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Vissink A, Sreebny LM. Symptoms and semiotics. In: Sreebny LM, Vissink A, editors. Dry mouth. The malevolent symptom: a clinical guide. 1st ed. Iowa: Blackwell Publishing; 2010. p. 52–63.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Ganzer H, Touger-Decker R, Parrott JS, Murphy BA, Epstein JB, Huhmann MB. Symptom burden in head and neck cancer: impact upon oral energy and protein intake. Support Care Cancer. 2013;21(2):495–503.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Loesche WJ, Bromberg J, Terpenning MS, Bretz WA, Dominguez BL, Grossman NS, et al. Xerostomia, xerogenic medications and food avoidances in selected geriatric groups. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1995;43(4):401–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Dusek M, Simmons J, Buschang PH, Al-Hashimi I. Masticatory function in patients with xerostomia. Gerodontology. 1996;13(1):3–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Ikebe K, Sajima H, Kobayashi S, Hata K, Morii K, Nokubi T, et al. Association of salivary flow rate with oral function in a sample of community-dwelling older adults in Japan. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2002;94(2):184–90.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Dawes C. Salivary flow patterns and the health of hard and soft oral tissues. J Am Dent Assoc. 2008;139(Suppl):18S–24.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Dreizen S, Daly TE, Drane JB, Brown LR. Oral complications of cancer radiotherapy. Postgrad Med. 1977;61(2):85–92.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Sheiham A, Steele J. Does the condition of the mouth and teeth affect the ability to eat certain foods, nutrient and dietary intake and nutritional status amongst older people? Public Health Nutr. 2001;4(3):797–803.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Mese H, Matsuo R. Salivary secretion, taste and hyposalivation. J Oral Rehabil. 2007;34(10):711–23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Spielman AI, Ship JA. Taste and smell. In: Miles TS, Nauntofte B, Svensson P, editors. Clinical oral physiology. 1st ed. Copenhagen: Quintessence Publishing Co. Ltd.; 2004. p. 53–70.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Beatty RM, Gragg LH. The sourness of acids. J Am Chem Soc. 1935;57:2347–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Spielman AI. Interaction of saliva and taste. J Dent Res. 1990;69(3):838–43.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Murphy C, Cardello AV, Brand J. Tastes of fifteen halide salts following water and NaCl: anion and cation effects. Physiol Behav. 1981;26(6):1083–95.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Norris MB, Noble AC, Pangborn RM. Human saliva and taste responses to acids varying in anions, titratable acidity, and pH. Physiol Behav. 1984;32(2):237–44.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Christensen CM, Navazesh M, Brightman VJ. Effects of pharmacologic reductions in salivary flow on taste thresholds in man. Arch Oral Biol. 1984;29(1):17–23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Shatzman AR, Henkin RI. Gustin concentration changes relative to salivary zinc and taste in humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1981;78(6):3867–71.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  34. Henkin RI, Martin BM, Agarwal RP. Decreased parotid saliva gustin/carbonic anhydrase VI secretion: an enzyme disorder manifested by gustatory and olfactory dysfunction. Am J Med Sci. 1999;318(6):380–91.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Henkin RI, Velicu I, Papathanassiu A. cAMP and cGMP in human parotid saliva: relationships to taste and smell dysfunction, gender, and age. Am J Med Sci. 2007;334(6):431–40.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Bajec MR, Pickering GJ. Astringency: mechanisms and perception. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2008;48(9):858–75.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Neyraud E, Palicki O, Schwartz C, Nicklaus S, Feron G. Variability of human saliva composition: possible relationships with fat perception and liking. Arch Oral Biol. 2012;57(5):556–66.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Hoebler C, Karinthi A, Devaux MF, Guillon F, Gallant DJ, Bouchet B, et al. Physical and chemical transformations of cereal food during oral digestion in human subjects. Br J Nutr. 1998;80(5):429–36.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. de Wijk RA, Prinz JF, Engelen L, Weenen H. The role of alpha-amylase in the perception of oral texture and flavour in custards. Physiol Behav. 2004;83(1):81–91.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Dsamou M, Palicki O, Septier C, Chabanet C, Lucchi G, Ducoroy P, et al. Salivary protein profiles and sensitivity to the bitter taste of caffeine. Chem Senses 2012;37:87–95.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Morzel M. Chabanet C, Schwartz C, Lucchi G, Ducoroy P, Nicklaus S. Salivary protein profiles are linked to bitter taste acceptance in infants. Eur J Pediatr 2014;173:575–82.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Cho MA, Ko JY, Kim YK, Kho HS. Salivary flow rate and clinical characteristics of patients with xerostomia according to its aetiology. J Oral Rehabil. 2010;37(3):185–93.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Bergdahl M. Salivary flow and oral complaints in adult dental patients. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2000;28(1):59–66.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Toida M, Nanya Y, Takeda-Kawaguchi T, Baba S, Iida K, Kato K, et al. Oral complaints and stimulated salivary flow rate in 1188 adults. J Oral Pathol Med. 2010;39(5):407–19.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Kamel UF, Maddison P, Whitaker R. Impact of primary Sjogren’s syndrome on smell and taste: effect on quality of life. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2009;48(12):1512–4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Henkin RI, Talal N, Larson AL, Mattern CF. Abnormalities of taste and smell in Sjogren’s syndrome. Ann Intern Med. 1972;76(3):375–83.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Weiffenbach JM, Schwartz LK, Atkinson JC, Fox PC. Taste performance in Sjogren’s syndrome. Physiol Behav. 1995;57(1):89–96.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Mossman K, Shatzman A, Chencharick J. Long-term effects of radiotherapy on taste and salivary function in man. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 1982;8(6):991–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Mossman KL, Henkin RI. Radiation-induced changes in taste acuity in cancer patients. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 1978;4(7–8):663–70.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Ruo Redda MG, Allis S. Radiotherapy-induced taste impairment. Cancer Treat Rev. 2006;32(7):541–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Fernando IN, Patel T, Billingham L, Hammond C, Hallmark S, Glaholm J, et al. The effect of head and neck irradiation on taste dysfunction: a prospective study. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol). 1995;7(3):173–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Negoro A, Umemoto M, Fujii M, Kakibuchi M, Terada T, Hashimoto N, et al. Taste function in Sjogren’s syndrome patients with special reference to clinical tests. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2004;31(2):141–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Weiffenbach JM, Fox PC, Baum BJ. Taste and salivary function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1986;83(16):6103–6.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  54. Tanaka M. Secretory function of the salivary gland in patients with taste disorders or xerostomia: correlation with zinc deficiency. Acta Otolaryngol Suppl. 2002;546:134–41.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Matsuo R. Role of saliva in the maintenance of taste sensitivity. Crit Rev Oral Biol Med. 2000;11(2):216–29.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Temmel AF, Quint C, Schickinger-Fischer B, Hummel T. Taste function in xerostomia before and after treatment with a saliva substitute containing carboxymethylcellulose. J Otolaryngol. 2005;34(2):116–20.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Mathey MF, Siebelink E, de GC, Van Staveren WA. Flavor enhancement of food improves dietary intake and nutritional status of elderly nursing home residents. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2001;56(4):M200–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Jensen SB, Pedersen AM, Reibel J, Nauntofte B. Xerostomia and hypofunction of the salivary glands in cancer therapy. Support Care Cancer. 2003;11(4):207–25.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Massler M. Geriatric nutrition II: dehydration in the elderly. J Prosthet Dent. 1979;42(5):489–91.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Fischer D, Ship JA. The effect of dehydration on parotid salivary gland function. Spec Care Dent. 1997;17(2):58–64.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Ship JA, Fischer DJ. The relationship between dehydration and parotid salivary gland function in young and older healthy adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 1997;52(5):M310–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Dynesen AW, Bardow A, Pedersen AML, Nauntofte B. Oral findings in Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia nervosa with special reference to salivary changes. Oral Biosci Med. 2004;1:151–69.

    Google Scholar 

  63. Niessen LC, Jones JA. Oral health changes in the elderly. Their relationship to nutrition. Postgrad Med. 1984;75(5):231–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Johansson I, Ericson T, Steen L. Studies of the effect of diet on saliva secretion and caries development: the effect of fasting on saliva composition of female subjects. J Nutr. 1984;114(11):2010–20.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Johansson I, Saellstrom AK, Rajan BP, Parameswaran A. Salivary flow and dental caries in Indian children suffering from chronic malnutrition. Caries Res. 1992;26(1):38–43.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Psoter WJ, Spielman AL, Gebrian B, St JR, Katz RV. Effect of childhood malnutrition on salivary flow and pH. Arch Oral Biol. 2008;53(3):231–7.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  67. Enwonwu CO. Ascorbate status and xerostomia. Med Hypotheses. 1992;39(1):53–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Flink H, Tegelberg A, Thorn M, Lagerlof F. Effect of oral iron supplementation on unstimulated salivary flow rate: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Oral Pathol Med. 2006;35(9):540–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Moynihan P. Nutritional impact in oral health promotion. Oral Health Prev Dent. 2003;1 Suppl 1:385–401.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Islam NM, Bhattacharyya I, Cohen DM. Common oral manifestations of systemic disease. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2011;44(1):161–82, vi.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Touger-Decker R, Mobley C. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: oral health and nutrition. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013;113(5):693–701.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Odontology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 20, Copenhagen, DK-2200 N, Denmark

    Anja Weirsøe Dynesen DDS, MSc. Human Nutrition, PhD

Authors
  1. Anja Weirsøe Dynesen DDS, MSc. Human Nutrition, PhD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Anja Weirsøe Dynesen DDS, MSc. Human Nutrition, PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Salivary Research, Kings College London Dental Institute, London, United Kingdom

    Guy Carpenter

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Dynesen, A.W. (2015). Oral Dryness, Dietary Intake, and Alterations in Taste. In: Carpenter, G. (eds) Dry Mouth. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-55154-3_5

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-55154-3_5

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-55153-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-55154-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation