Xerostomia also known as dry mouth is a symptom of other diseases, not a
disease itself. Medications and some medical treatments can also cause
dry mouth. When the salivary glands fail to function properly, this too
will cause dry mouth. Many people feel like their mouth is dry but their
salivary glands could be functioning normally.
Having a dry mouth may lead to other problems due to the fact it may affect
your nutrition and your mental health. It could also lead to dental
problems or infections. If you find that you are suffering from dry
mouth on a regular basis you should consult with a physician so that they can
find what is causing your xerostomia.
Importance of Saliva
Saliva is very important and helps with many functions of the body such as:
- Fights bacteria that may cause dental problems or infections.
- Provides minerals to help fight tooth decay and to help heal
sores in the mouth.
- Provides moisture to the tissues in the mouth keeping them limber
which makes talking easier.
- Breaks down food and lets you taste the difference between sweet, sour,
and bitter tasting foods.
- Helps to aid your digestive system by producing enzymes that help to
fully break down the food in your stomach..
Some Causes of Dry Mouth
- There are over 400 medications that are identified as having a side effect
of dry mouth. Among these are medications for high blood pressure
and depression, fluid pills, pain pills, antihistamines and
tranquilizers.
- Patients undergoing radiation treatment have been found to suffer from
xerostomia because of permanent damage to the salivary glands. The
same has been said for patients that have undergone chemotherapy.
- An autoimmune disorder such as Sjögren's Syndrome has side effects
that include dry mouth.
- People who have had depression or severe mental stress may also suffer
from dry mouth.
- Patients that have undergone bone marrow transplants
or those who suffer from malnutrition often suffer from dry mouth.
- Those who have had severe trauma above the neck may have experienced
the sensation of dry mouth due to nerve damage. Even though their
salivary glands were unharmed, they may not work properly due to the nerve damage.
- Alzheimer's patients or people who
have suffered from a stroke may lose the sensation in their salivary
glands causing them difficulty in producing saliva.
Physicians have often thought that dry mouth was just a normal part of
growing old. Research has taught us that aging does not mean a reduction
of saliva. Often, if older people have a dry mouth, it is due to
medications they are taking or from a disease they may have.
When salivary glands are not functioning properly, it may change the composition
of saliva. People who suffer from dry mouth can feel varying levels of discomfort,
some may even feel a burning sensation in their mouth. This could affect
the way they speak, their ability to swallow, and their ability to chew.
In more severe cases, the person's mouth and lips may become so dry that they
experience cracking and bleeding. They may also notice painful sores on
the tongue and mouth lining and may experience severe tooth decay.
Treatment for Dry Mouth
There are several ways you can combat the sensation of dry mouth.
- Drinking water throughout the day helps keep your body hydrated.
- Stay away from caffeinated drinks.
- When you are eating, be sure to drink plenty of liquids, this aids the
process of swallowing and will also help to increase the taste of the food
you are eating.
- Drinking water during the night when you wake up will help keep your
mouth hydrated.
- Avoid candy and gum that contains sugar. Sucking on hard candies
instead of chewing them helps your mouth produce saliva.
- Try to avoid the consumption of alcohol and use of tobacco as these
have been known to cause dry mouth.
- Foods that are spicy, high in acid, and salty will irritate your mouth. Consume
these sparingly.
- Try to keep a humidifier running in your house at all times..
Many of the medications that I take for my bipolar and schizoaffective disorders
cause me to have dry mouth. I find many of these suggested treatments help
keep my mouth lubricated. I drink large amounts of water throughout the
day and night and find that taking a sip of water every few minutes can be
annoying but also very helpful.
Source: Margolis, Simeon, The Johns Hopkins Medical Handbook, 2001