We all require saliva to moisten, clean and digest food. Saliva also helps to keep the mouth clean by controlling bacteria and fungi. Your mouth becomes dry and uncomfortable when you do not produce enough saliva. This results in a condition known as xerostomia, also known as dry mouth. Here’s everything you need to know about dry mouth.
Causes of Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is frequently caused by dehydration, which occurs when your body does not have enough fluid to produce the necessary saliva. It is also common for your mouth to become dry when you’re nervous or anxious. Following are some causes of dry mouth:
Side Effects of Medications
Dry mouth is caused by a variety of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, high blood pressure medications, some antibiotics, muscle relaxers, Parkinson’s disease medications, a variety of antidepressants, diuretics and a few other medications.
Cancer Treatment
Radiotherapy to the head and neck can cause the salivary glands to become inflamed (mucositis). Chemotherapy can alter the composition of saliva as well as the amount produced by the body.
Diseases
Sjögren’s syndrome, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, anemia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, Parkinson’s disease and mumps can all cause dry mouth. Stroke and Alzheimer’s disease are more likely to cause a perception of dry mouth even when the salivary glands are functioning normally.
Age
Even though dry mouth is not a normal part of aging, older people take more medication than the general population, which may result in dry mouth.
Others
- Sleeping through your mouth can cause it to dry out.
- The condition can also be caused by nerve damage to the head and neck area as a result of an injury or surgery.
- Tobacco use, whether chewing or smoking, increases the risk of dry mouth.
Symptoms of Dry Mouth
Typical symptoms of dry mouth include:
- Sticky, dry taste in the mouth
- Constant thirst
- Sores in the mouth
- Split skin or cracked lips
- Dry sensation in the throat
- Stinging or burning sensation in the mouth
- Dry, red or raw tongue
- Difficulty in speaking, tasting, chewing and swallowing
- Sore throat, hoarseness and dry nasal passages
- Bad breath
- Tooth decay and gum disease
Treatment for Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is typically a temporary and treatable condition. In most cases, you can avoid or alleviate symptoms. However, if your dry mouth is caused by a medical condition, you may need to seek additional treatment. If you suspect that a medication is causing your dry mouth, consult your doctor. Whether the underlying medical condition causing the dry mouth can be changed, the treatment you get can increase the saliva flow in your mouth.
In addition, here are some steps you can take to relieve symptoms of dry mouth:
- Sip water through the day
- Suck on ice cubes
- Limit consumption of alcohol and caffeine
- Limit salt and sugar intake
- Avoid tobacco or recreational drugs
- Sleep with a humidifier
- Use over-the-counter saliva substitutes
- Use over-the-counter toothpaste, rinses and mints
- Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy
Dry mouth can be irritating and even lead to other oral health issues. There are numerous home remedies that can provide relief. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist. If you suffer from dry mouth, you need to keep good oral hygiene and have regular dental checkups. You can also contact Home of Smiles Dental Clinic to know more about this condition and relieve its symptoms. Our team provides you with the best dental care and offers accurate information about your treatment costs and options. Reach out to us today!