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Pathology · single question

What dietary/lifestyle recommendation should generally be AVOIDED in a patient with xerostomia (dry mouth)?

  1. Sugar-free chewing gum to stimulate salivary flow
  2. Salty, spicy, or very dry/crunchy foods, which can irritate already-dry mucosa and are harder to chew/swallow
  3. Using a bedroom humidifier at night
  4. Frequent small sips of water throughout the day
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Correct answer: B. Salty, spicy, or very dry/crunchy foods, which can irritate already-dry mucosa and are harder to chew/swallow

Salty, spicy, acidic, and dry/crunchy foods tend to irritate xerostomic mucosa and are uncomfortable to chew and swallow without adequate saliva — patients should generally be advised to avoid them and favor moist, bland foods, alongside sugar-free gum/lozenges, hydration, and humidification.

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