Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)

The saliva is essential to humidify and to clean the mouth (by neutralizing the acids produced by dental plaque) and to get rid of the dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, the gums, and the cheeks. Saliva also prevents infections by controlling the bacteria and the fungi in the mouth. Finally, saliva helps digest foods and makes the tasting, chewing, and swallowing possible. Having a dry mouth is not only uncomfortable, but it is also unhealthy. Fortunately, there are many effective ways to treat a dry mouth.

What causes dry mouth?

• Side effects of certain medications, including those used to treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergies and colds (antihistamines and decongestants), obesity, acne, epilepsy, hypertension (diuretics), diarrhea, nausea, psychotic problems, urinary incontinence, asthma (certain bronchodilators), and Parkinson's Disease. Dry mouth is also a side effect of muscle relaxants and sedatives.
• Side effects of certain diseases and infections, including Sjörgren's Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's Disease, diabetes, anemia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, Parkinson's Disease, strokes, and mumps.
• Side effects of certain medical treatments causing lesions to the salivary glands. For example, radiation of the head and neck, and chemotherapy treatments for cancer can lower the quantity of saliva produced.
• Nervous lesions, following certain conditions, such as fever, excessive perspiration, vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, and burns can cause dry mouth.
• Surgical removal of salivary glands.
• Lifestyle, among which smoking or tobacco chewing can affect the production of saliva and worsen a dry mouth. Breathing through the mouth continually can also contribute to the problem.

What are the symptoms of a dry mouth?

• Feeling dry and sticky in the mouth.
• Frequent thirst.
• Injuries in the mouth, on the inside, on the lips, or at the corners of the mouth.
• Feeling of dryness in the throat.
• Constant pain in the throat.
• Feeling of prickling and burning in the mouth, especially on the tongue.
• Tongue is dry and red.
• Speech problems (talking) and difficulty tasting, chewing, or swallowing.
• Dry nasal ducts (nose and throat).
• Bad breath (halitosis).

Why is it a problem to have a dry mouth?

In addition to worsening the symptoms mentioned above, dry mouth increases the risk of gingivitis (gum disease) and tooth decay.

Dry mouth can also make the wear of removable dental prosthetics (dentures) hard.

What are the treatments for dry mouth?

If the dry mouth is caused by certain medications, the physician can adjust the dosage or substitute the medication by another one that does not cause xerostomia.

In addition, a mouthwash can be prescribed. If there are no improvements, a medication that stimulates the production of saliva, called Salagen, can also be prescribed.

Other techniques that can increase the production of saliva:

• Sucking on a sugar-free candy or chewing gum.
• Drinking lots of water in order to keep the mouth hydrated.
• Protecting the teeth by brushing with a toothpaste containing fluoride, by using a fluoridated mouthwash, and by visiting the dentist regularly for checkups.
• By breathing through the nose instead of the mouth as often as possible.
• By using a humidifier in the bedroom.

Dental Problems

Abscess Broken Fillings Bruxism Cavity Denture Irritation Fluorosis Gum Disease Halitosis Jaw Problems Malocclusion Oral Cancers Plaque Tartar Tooth Discolouration Tooth Sensitivity Ulcer Xerostomia

References