Dry mouth is a common condition that is often disregarded. This section offers a variety of dry mouth solutions that can help alleviate the symptoms and assist in preventing further health complications.
What is dry mouth? |
Causes |
Symptoms |
Remedies |
Prevention Prices are Inclusive of GST (sales Tax).
Page updated 06/04/18 12:47:36 p.m.
What is dry mouth?
- Xerostomia is the medical term for an unusually dry mouth. A common problem, this condition is a result of decreased production of saliva, which when not arrested can result in a multitude of health problems. So, what are the functions of saliva?
- Keeps the mouth moist and feeling comfortable.
- Helps in chewing, tasting food and swallowing.
- Fights the germs inside the mouth.
- Helps prevent bad breath.
- Made up of proteins and minerals that protect tooth enamel.
- Helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Helps keep dentures securely in place.
What causes dry mouth?
- There are many reasons why a person develops dry mouth. Listed below are just some dry mouth causes:
- Side effect of certain medications. Examples of these are: drugs that treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergies and colds, obesity, acne, hypertension.
- A condition that relates to certain diseases and infections. Examples of these are: Sjogren's syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, anemia, hypertension among others.
- Damage of salivary glands as a result of radiation to the head and neck and chemotherapy treatments for cancer.
- Nerve damage to head and neck area from an injury or surgery.
- Dehydration as a result of fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss and burns.
- Smoking or chewing tobacco can also affect how much saliva is produced and can likewise aggravate dry mouth.
What are the symptoms of dry mouth?
- A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
- Frequent thirst
- Sores in the mouth; sores or split skin at the corners of the mouth; cracked lips
- A dry feeling in the throat
- A burning or tingling sensation in the mouth and especially on the tongue
- A dry, red, raw tongue
- Problems speaking or trouble tasting, chewing, and swallowing
- Hoarseness, dry nasal passages, sore throat
- Bad breath
How do you remedy dry mouth?
There is no direct dry mouth treatment, however, people who suffer from this condition can find comfort and relief from the symptoms. Remedies can be divided into three categories: saliva substitution, saliva stimulation, and prevention of infection.
Category 1 - Saliva Substitution Choose a mouthwash that doesn't contain alcohol as this can cause further mouth dryness.
You can try home remedies such as: Drinking water frequently during the day, especially while eating; limiting intake of caffeine; melting ice inside the mouth to help mouth remain moist; humidifying sleeping area to avoid dry mouth when sleeping; using lip balm to keep the lips moisturised.
Category 2 - Saliva Stimulation Chewing sugar-free gum
Sugar free lemon drops
Medications that help increase salivary flow
Artificial saliva substitutes and oral lubricants can help provide relief
Category 3 - Prevention of Infection Conduct a meticulous oral care and hygiene routine
Incorporate a low sugar diet
Daily use of fluoride treatments and antimicrobial rinse
Prescription toothpaste that contains more fluoride, calcium, phosphate
Frequent visits to dentist
Can you prevent dry mouth?
Sadly, preventing dry mouth syndrome is not possible. However, a person who is already suffering from this condition can help prevent complications developing by adopting some of the remedies outlined above.
Page updated 06/04/18 12:47:36 p.m.
