Dry mouth or Xerostomia refers to a condition in which the salivary glands in your mouth don't make enough saliva to keep your mouth wet.
- Saliva plays a major role in our Oral cavity.
- Saliva prevents tooth decay by neutralizing acids produced by bacteria, limiting bacterial growth and washing away food particles.
- Saliva also enhances your ability to taste and makes it easier to chew and swallow.
- Enzymes in saliva aid in digestion.
SYMPTOMS:
If you're not producing enough saliva, you may notice these signs and symptoms all or most of the time:
- Dryness or a feeling of stickiness in your mouth
- Saliva that seems thick and stringy
- Bad breath
- Difficulty chewing, speaking and swallowing
- Dry or sore throat and hoarseness
- Dry or grooved tongue
- A changed sense of taste
- Problems wearing dentures
If you've noticed persistent dry mouth signs and symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor.
CAUSES:
Dry mouth is caused when the salivary glands in the mouth don't make enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. These glands may not work properly as the result of:
- Medications
- Age factors
- Cancer therapy
- Nerve damage
- Tobacco and alcohol use.
- Other health conditions - such as diabetes, fungal infection (thrush) in your mouth, HIV/AIDS or due to autoimmune diseases, such as Sjogren's syndrome.
- Snoring and breathing with your mouth open can also lead to dry mouth.
COMPLICATIONS :
If you don't have enough saliva and develop dry mouth, this can lead to:
- Increased plaque, tooth decay and gum disease.
- Mouth sores.
- Oral thrush
- Sores or split skin at the corners of your mouth, or cracked lips.
- Problems while chewing and swallowing the food.
TREATMENT :
- Change medications that cause dry mouth.
- Recommend products to moisturize your mouth - Artificial saliva or moisturizers to lubricate your mouth.
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