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Alternative medicine

By Mayo Clinic staff

Studies of acupuncture have shown that acupuncture may be helpful for people with dry mouth stemming from various causes. This procedure involves the use of fine needles, lightly placed into various areas of the body, depending on your area of concern. While this treatment looks promising, researchers are still studying exactly how this therapy works for xerostomia.

References
  1. Dry mouth. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/DryMouth/DryMouth.htm. Accessed March 2, 2009.
  2. Xerostomia. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch089/ch089h.html?qt=dry%20mouth&alt=sh. Accessed March 2, 2009.
  3. Guggenheimer J, et al. Xerostomia: Etiology, recognition and treatment. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2003;134:61.
  4. Turner MD, et al. Dry mouth and its effects on the oral health of elderly people. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2007;138(suppl):15S.
  5. Eveson JW. Xerostomia. Periodontology 2000. 2008;48:85.
  6. Metz JM, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine. In: Abeloff MD, et al. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingston Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/123562883-3/811434297/1709/40.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06694-8..50039-7--cesec15_994. Accessed March 2, 2009.
  7. Carr AB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Rochester, Minn. March 4, 2009.

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April 7, 2009

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