Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, occurs when our body is producing a low quantity or no saliva at all. Our saliva is the key to maintaining a healthy mouth. Some medications and systemic conditions can contribute to dry mouth. When the quantity and quality of saliva is reduced, oral disease can develop quickly. Dry mouth increases the incidence of tooth decay, mouth ulcers and oral infection. Dry mouth also causes difficulty with eating and speech.
Signs and symptoms
Medications such as antihypertensives (blood pressure), antidepressants, analgesics (pain relief), diuretics and antihistamines can cause dry mouth. Some common problems associated with Xerostomia include
Constant sore throat
Burning sensation in mouth and throat
Difficulty eating and swallowing
Hoarseness
Dry nasal passages
Changes in taste
The mucosa of the mouth is often pale and deteriorated with a dry or sticky feel, the tongue may be inflamed and show signs of fissures and cracking. Oral candida also known as Oral Thrush is one of the most common oral infections seen in association with Xerostomia.
Treatment of Dry Mouth
There are a variety of products available to help increase salivary flow such as
Biotene mouthwash
Oral Balance gel or Liquid
GC Dry Mouth Gel
Hamilton Aquae mouth spray
Tips to help you manage Xerostomia
Frequently sip cold water, particularly after meals, medications, drinks and snacks
Reduce intake of caffeine drinks such as coffee & tea
Chewing sugar free gum is a useful way to stimulate salivary flow
Limit your intake of high sugary drinks such as cordial & fruit juices
Am I at risk?
As mentioned earlier, certain medications can cause dry mouth, other risk factors are
Cancer therapy, Chemotherapy drugs can change the flow and composition of the saliva. Radiation treatment that is focused on or near the salivary gland can temporarily or permanently damage the salivary glands.
Sjogren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease which causes Xerostomia and dry eyes.
Never damage, trauma to the head and neck area from surgery or wounds can damage the nerves that supply sensation to the mouth. While the salivary glands may be left intact, they cannot function normally without the nerves that signal them to produce saliva.
Other conditions, such as bone marrow transplant, endocrine disorders, stress, anxiety, depression and nutritional deficiencies may cause Xerostomia.
