Saliva is a natural lubricant that helps coat the whole of the mouth, tongue and lips. It plays a very important role in digesting food. It also prevents tooth decay and infection in the mouth. When there is insufficient saliva, the mouth feels dry hence the name ‘Dry mouth’. It is also known as xerostomia.
Causes of dry mouth
Dry mouth may result from the following:
- Excessive loss of water from the body(dehydration): this could be as a result of vomiting, excessive sweating or stooling. People who have lost a lot of blood or those who have burns may complain of having dry mouth.
- Mouth breathing: mouth breathers have their mouth open most times and are predisposed to having dry mouth due to the saliva drying out.
- Smoking
- Side effects of some medications such as: sedatives, muscle relaxants, decongestants, diuretics, antihistamines, some pain reliefs etc
- Aftermath of cancer treatments: radiotherapy and chemotherapy to the head and neck region.
- Surgical removal of the salivary glands(where saliva is produced).
- Side effects of some conditions like mumps, diabetes etc
- Sjögren’s syndrome: a medical condition characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth
Symptoms of dry mouth
- Dryness of the mouth and throat which may lead to sore throat
- Dry red tongue
- Hoarseness of voice
- Thirst
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing.
- Difficulty with speaking
- Loss of taste
- Mouth odour
- Cracked lips
- Sores in the mouth
Treatment
- Drinking water helps keep the mouth wet.
- Chewing sugarless gum helps stimulate saliva production.
- Artificial saliva can be used to lubricate the mouth.
- Changing the medication or adjusting the dosage if it is the cause of dry mouth.
Note: it is important to practice good oral hygiene by brushing with a fluoride containing toothpaste twice daily and flossing regularly in order to prevent bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease.
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