Dry mouth occurs when the salivary gland in your mouth don’t produce enough saliva This condition causes a parched feeling in your oral cavity. It is also called as hyposalivation.
It can also cause other symptoms such as bad breath, dry throat and cracked lips.
Saliva is a necessary part of your digestion process. It helps moisten and breakdown your food.
It also works as a major defense mechanism and protects your mouth from gum disease and tooth decay.
WHAT CAUSES XEROSTOMIA?
Many factors causes xerostomia such as dehydration, it causes when your body loses too much fluid without getting replenished.
Medications to treat depression, anxiety, diarrhea, high blood pressure and asthma causes xerostomia.
Other causes like radiation therapy, stress and anxiety, aging, mouth breathing and snoring.
Smoking and recreational drug use that is methamphetamines.
WHAT ARE SYMTOMPS?
Having a xerostomia causes a sticky or parched sensation in mouth.
Difficulty swallowing, chewing or talking.
Trouble tasting food or drinks.
Burning sensation in your mouth.
Cracked lips.
Mouth sores.
Dry tongue.
Tooth decay.
Sour throat.
Bad breath is one of the most common sign of xerostomia
TREATMENT
Brush your teeth twice a day and use mouth wash.
Chewing and sucking health stimulates saliva flow.
Ice cubes or sugar free ice pops. Sugar free hard candy or sugar less gum that contains xylitol.
Breathe through your nose not your mouth.
Add moisture to the air at a night with a room humidifier.
Moisturize your lips to dry or cracked area.
Try to avoid – acidic, spicy, salty, dry and sugary foods and beverage.
Alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks.
Smoking.
If you have severe xerostomia your doctor may prescribe medication that stimulates saliva.
Protect your teeth to prevent cavities, your dentist might fit you for fluoride trays.
Your dentist may also recommend weekly use of chlorhexidine rinse to control cavities.
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