Acupuncture May Ease Dry Mouth Symptoms Associated With Radiation Therapy, Research Suggests
HealthDay (12/27, Reinberg) reported that “dry mouth can be a troubling side effect of radiation therapy”. But, a new study suggests “acupuncture may ease its symptoms”. Among 339 patients receiving radiation treatment for cancer, researchers found that “those who had acupuncture had fewer symptoms of dry mouth (xerostomia) than those who didn’t have acupuncture”. Also, the report provides a result that may approve that acupuncture may ease dry mouth symptoms due to radiation therapy. The findings showed that a year after treatment, 35% of acupuncture patients had dry mouth. While 48% of those given fake acupuncture and 55% of those who didn’t get acupuncture had dry mouth.
Moreover, the report stated other factors that affect the association of the symptoms to acupuncture. Namely, the kind acupuncture’s environment setting, cultural influences, or the relationship between patient and doctor.
Also, the report stated that more studies must undergo to confirm these findings. Plus, to understand how acupuncture relieves dry mouth.
The study can be found in JAMA Network Open.
The Oral Health Topics on ADA.org and MouthHealthy.org provide information on xerostomia for dental professionals and for patients.
Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse has become the first product to earn the ADA Seal of Acceptance in the dry mouth product category. To learn more about the Seal program, go to ADA.org/Seal.
Article from: ADA Morning Huddle
Lorin Berland, DDS