Guide to Dry Mouth
One of the most common problems that a dentist will be presented with is dry mouth, a condition also known as xerostomia. Its affects can be minimal, or in some cases, more problematic. There is the possibility that it can lead to the contraction of other dental ailments, such as gum disease or tooth decay. Also, it can make social life difficult due to the symptoms of bad breath it causes.
What is dry mouth?
Dry mouth is a dental condition in which the amount of saliva created in the mouth is not enough. It is more commonly found in older patients. Saliva is of utmost importance to the mouth and all the necessary actions it carries out. Saliva not only helps to keep the mouth wet but also helps to fight against bad breath, and more importantly, helps digestion. Saliva is also vital in the fight against bacteria that builds up in the mouth. Its absence is therefore problematic.
What causes dry mouth?
Dry mouth occurs when the saliva glands in the mouth do not produce a sufficient amount of saliva. There are several causes of this:
- Smoking - People often experience symptoms of dry mouth when smoking. This is because smoking affects the production of saliva.
- Medication - Medication, whether prescribed by your GP or bought from your local supermarket, may lead to dry mouth. There are hundreds that can do so but the main culprits are anti-depressants, anti-histamines, sedatives, muscle relaxants and drugs used to treat conditions including high blood pressure and anxiety.
- Cancer treatment - Certain treatments used to assist people in the battle against cancer can cause dry mouth. These include radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
- Sleep complications - Snoring and inhalation through your mouth during sleep can lead to dry mouth, as many of you will have experienced.
- Alcohol - If you drink too much then you will wake up to the symptoms of dry mouth.
- Dehydration - If you are sick you may be losing fluids. This may be done so through vomiting or diarrhoea, which can lead to a lack of fluid to sufficiently produce saliva in the mouth.
- Illness - Certain ailments can lead to dry mouth. These include HIV, mumps, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and depression.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of dry mouth are often easy to notice, due to its apparent nature. None the less, the symptoms of dry mouth are:
- Dryness in the mouth and throat.
- Feel thirsty and find it difficult to swallow.
- There may be an affect on your speech.
- Bad breath.
- Lips and the skin around the mouth may be cracked.
- Tongue feels dry.
- Warm feeling in the mouth.
- Other side-effects, such as tooth decay or gum disease.
- Nose may also seem dry.
- It may affect you when you sleep.
- Dentures may not feel as comfortable a fit as they once did.
- Taste sensation may differ from before.
How to prevent dry mouth
As with most conditions that affect the mouth, dry mouth can be prevented by maintaining good oral health. Prevention techniques include:
- Make sure you clean your teeth twice a day.
- Stay away from sugary products.
- Try to avoid foods that have high levels of acidity, and cut down on foods that are very spicy and salty.
- Intake of tea and coffee should be limited.
- Smoking and alcohol intake should be limited, if not entirely avoided.
- Try inhaling through your nose, rather than your mouth.
- Ask your dentist for any special tools that you can use to increase saliva production in your mouth.
