Acupuncture helps victims of dry mouth

BALTIMORE, Jun 16, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- People who suffer from dry mouth -- a chronic condition caused by malfunctioning salivary glands -- get long-term relief from acupuncture, U.S. researchers say.

Improperly functioning salivary glands cause xerostomia, or dry mouth, which can lead to painful sores, tooth decay, difficulty eating and other problems.

University of Maryland researchers said acupuncture combined with head and neck radiation therapy helped seven patients achieve long-term relief from dry mouth symptoms.

Researchers reported their findings in the Academy of Dentistry's journal General Dentistry.

Lead author Warren Morganstein of the university's Baltimore College of Dental Surgery said most treatments provide only short-term relief while acupuncture provided longer-term help.

After eight months, he said, the patients had increased saliva flow and greater ability to eat, speak and sleep.