What is xerostomia?
The condition of having a dry mouth is medically termed xerostomia. It can also be caused by certain medications, radiation therapy to the head and neck area, or nerve damage due to diabetes.
There are several things you can do to relieve the symptoms of xerostomia. Below are some tips:
- Sip water or sugar
- Sip on water or sugarless fluids throughout the day. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol, which can worsen dry mouth.
- Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugar-free hard candy to stimulate saliva flow.
- Use an artificial saliva product to moisten your mouth.
- Limit your intake of salty and spicy foods, irritating a dry mouth.
- Avoid tobacco products, which can contribute to dry mouth.
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily.
- See your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
Why is saliva important for the oral cavity?
Saliva is essential for the oral cavity because it helps moisten and break down food, prevents tooth decay by washing away food particles and bacteria, and protects against infection. Saliva also contains enzymes that help to break down carbohydrates. When there is a shortage of saliva, these functions are compromised.
What are the most common causes and symptoms of dry mouth?
The most common causes of dry mouth include certain medications, radiation therapy, Sjogren’s syndrome, and diabetes. The most common symptoms of dry mouth include a feeling of thirst, difficulty speaking, eating and swallowing, increased gum disease, and tooth decay.
How is dry mouth diagnosed?
A dry mouth is usually diagnosed based on the symptoms. Your dentist at North York Smile Centre may also physically examine your mouth and ask about your medical history.
How is dry mouth treated?
There is no specific cure for dry mouth, but there are several things you can do to relieve the symptoms. These include drinking plenty of fluids, chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candy, using artificial saliva, avoiding tobacco products, and practising good oral hygiene. Your dentist may also recommend a mouth rinse that contains fluoride to help prevent tooth decay.
If you have xerostomia, it is essential to see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
Xerostomia can be a nuisance, but there are things you can do to relieve the symptoms.
What other symptoms come with dry mouth?
People with dry mouths may experience bad breath, a burning sensation in the mouth, or some bacterial and fungal infection of the oral cavity.
Medications That May Be Prescribed by Your Doctor for Dry Mouth
If dehydration is present, then treatment of the condition leading to dehydration, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, would be in order. Depending on dehydration, your doctor may recommend intravenous (IV) fluids. Sometimes this may be done as an outpatient. In severe cases, hospitalization could be required.
If dry mouth is due to infection, medications for treating the infection may be prescribed, such as:
Medications That May Be Prescribed by Your Doctor for Dry Mouth:
- Saliva substitutes: These products can help to moisten the mouth. They are available in gel, spray, or lozenge form.
- Stimulants: These medications can help to increase saliva production.
- Anticholinergics: These medications can help reduce the salivary glands’ activity.Antifungals: These medications can help to treat infections in the mouth.
- Antihistamines: These medications can help relieve allergic reactions that may contribute to dry mouth.
- Tricyclic antidepressants: These medications can help relieve symptoms of depression that may contribute to dry mouth.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of xerostomia, be sure to see your dentist or doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Antibacterials: These medications can help reduce the bacteria in the mouth that can contribute to bad breath.
Some home remedies you may want to try include:
- Drinking plenty of fluids: This can help prevent dehydration, which can worsen dry mouth.
- Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candy: This can help to stimulate saliva production.
- Avoiding tobacco products: Tobacco use can contribute to dry mouth.
- Practising good oral hygiene can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
- Using artificial saliva products: These products can help moisten the mouth.
- Mouth rinses containing fluoride: These rinses can help prevent tooth decay.
- Antivirals: These medications can help to treat infections in the mouth.
If you have xerostomia, it is essential to regularly see your dentist or doctor for professional cleanings and oral exams. There is no specific cure for dry mouth, but there are several things you can do to relieve the symptoms. These include drinking plenty of fluids, chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candy, using artificial saliva, avoiding tobacco products, and practising good oral hygiene. Your dentist or doctor may also recommend a mouth rinse that contains fluoride to help prevent tooth decay.
What are the benefits of the treatment?
There are several benefits to treating dry mouth, including relief from the symptoms, preventing gum disease and tooth decay, and improving bad breath.
What can I do at home to treat dry mouth?
There are several things you can do at home to relieve the symptoms of dry mouth. These include drinking plenty of fluids, chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candy, using artificial saliva, avoiding tobacco products, and practising good oral hygiene. You may also want to try a mouth rinse that contains fluoride to help prevent tooth decay.
When should I see a dentist?
If you are experiencing dry mouth symptoms, it is essential to see your dentist. They will be able to diagnose the cause of your dry mouth and recommend treatment options.
Predisposing factors responsible for dry mouth are:
- Medications: More than 400 medications are associated with xerostomia as a side effect, including many common drugs such as antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, and antidepressants.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy to the head and neck can damage the salivary glands and cause dry mouth.
- Sjogren’s syndrome: This autoimmune disorder affects the exocrine glands, including the salivary glands.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to have dry mouths due to decreased saliva production.
