Xerostomia — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: E — Adverse effects of prescribed medicines
The correct answer is E. Medication adverse effects are the most common cause of xerostomia in the general population. Frequently implicated groups include anticholinergic medicines, antidepressants and opioids; polypharmacy further increases risk. Caffeine may aggravate oral dryness, and dehydration can produce transient symptoms, but neither is the leading overall cause. Acute bacterial sialadenitis usually presents with painful gland swelling, tenderness and sometimes purulent discharge or systemic illness rather than uncomplicated chronic xerostomia. Vitamin C deficiency is associated with features such as gingival bleeding and impaired healing, not xerostomia as a typical manifestation.
Reference: Hayslett RL, Marshall LL. Management of Dry Mouth. The Senior Care Pharmacist. 2025;40(2):55–63. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39891324/