Inadequate flow of saliva makes the mouth feel dry hence the name ‘Dry Mouth’ or Xerostomia
The functions of saliva include:
- Maintains oral hygiene by washing food debris from the teeth and corners of the mouth.
- Aids adhesion of dentures (artificial teeth) to the oral tissues
- Prevents tooth decay by reducing the acidic effects on the teeth
- Prevents Trauma (sores) by lubricating the surfaces of the mouth during movement of the mouth such as when talking, and eating
- Helps in easy digestion of food
Causes of Dry Mouth
It is important to note that dry mouth is not a disease itself. These causes include:
- A Side Effect of some medical conditions such as anaemia, ‘Sjogren’s syndrome’, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, mumps etc
- Dehydration: conditions that lead to dehydration such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, blood loss etc
- Side effect of some medications such as: antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants, tranquillizers, etc
- Side effect of some medical treatments such as: chemotherapy and radiotherapy (to the head and neck), removal of the glands that produce saliva etc
- Mouth breathing
- Tobacco use
Treatment
- Drink plenty of water.
- Adjusting the dose/ changing medication in cases where the cause is the use of medications.
- Breathing through the nose instead of the mouth.
- Use of drugs (Sialogogue) which helps the stimulation of saliva.
- Chewing sugar free gum
- Use of artificial saliva
Photo credit: Capitalfm