Xerostomia is the medical term for a dry mouth ailment. It is the sensation you may get when there is insufficient saliva in your oral cavity to keep your mouth moist.
A dry mouth is a symptom of a problem, not the problem itself. It’s usually a side effect of some medications, such as antihistamines or decongestants used to treat allergies or colds. This condition is most common in older people, affecting one out of every five of them.
As the western population ages, the number of people suffering from chronic dry mouth syndrome grows. Unfortunately, no remedy has yet been discovered. Only saliva-enzyme replacement therapy can help patients control this disease.
What is the significance of saliva in the body?
Saliva aids in the health of the mouth and teeth. It lubricates the mouth and keeps it moist at all times. It also aids in the improvement of taste sensitivity and the initiation of the digestive process due to the presence of important enzymes and protein. However, a lack of saliva might result in issues such as:
- Poor breath.
- Discomfort.
- Cavities, tooth decay, and other mouth disorders are examples of oral hygiene issues.
- Denture-wearing issues
- Speech and swallowing difficulties
- Potential causes
When the salivary glands begin to generate less saliva, it might cause dry mouth. The following are some of the most common reasons of dry mouth:
Medications.
Several drugs (both prescription and over-the-counter) can lower your body’s production of saliva. If you read the label on your prescription, you might notice “dry mouth” listed as a side effect.
Among the medications that induce dry mouth are:
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- High blood pressure medications
- Medication to treat diarrhoea
- Relaxants for the muscles
- Urinary incontinence medication
Dehydration
- Inadequate fluid intake can occasionally cause dry mouth. For example, if you’re unwell, don’t drink enough water, or sweat excessively,
- Medical problems: Diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and Sjogren’s syndrome are all conditions that can cause dry mouth. Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks the moisture-producing glands. It typically affects women who have gone through menopause.
- Although dry mouth is not a normal feature of ageing, older people use more drugs than the general population, and many of these medications induce dry mouth.
- Dry mouth treatment
How to Deal with Dry Mouth
The treatment for dry mouth is determined by a number of things, including if the person has an underlying ailment or disease, as well as whether they are taking medications that may be causing dry mouth. If a cause is identified, specific steps can be taken to mitigate its impact.
Medications: Your doctor will most likely evaluate your medication, and if it is discovered to be the cause of your dry mouth, the doctor will either change the dosage or prescribe another drug that will alleviate your symptoms.
Increasing saliva production: To help increase saliva production, your doctor may prescribe medicine such as pilocarpine or cevimeline.
Treatment for dry mouth symptoms consists mostly on four areas: boosting the flow of saliva, replenishing lost secretions, managing dental cavities, and taking particular steps, such as treating infection.
Conclusion
If you have dry mouth syndrome, you should pay close attention to your oral and dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis are vital. Plaque removal and treatment of gum infections, inflammation, and dental cavities are other required stages.