How to deal with dry mouth

Functions of the Saliva

Saliva performs the following important functions:

1. It lubricates the food and makes it convenient to chew and swallow.
2. It helps in the stimulation of taste buds and gives a sense of taste.
3. It aids in pronouncing words.
4. It can fight against microbes and has antibacterial action.
5. It also acts as a buffer and regulates the pH of saliva before and after eating
6. Saliva aids in removing bits of food from the oral cavity. It also reduces the chances of getting dental caries.
7. It protects and improves the healing of the oral mucosa.

Signs of Dry Mouth

Some common signs:

1. Fissured tongue

2. Tongue becomes depapillated

3. Lack of stippling of gums

4. Reduced or no saliva on the mouth floor

5. Several dental fillings

Common Symptoms Of Dry Mouth

Some common symptoms are:

1. Inflammation of the oral cavity that can often cause a burning sensation;

2. Dental diseases, including dental caries, become more rampant;

3. Plaque formation can lead to poor oral hygiene and results in the bad-tasting;

4. Increased risks of periodontal diseases and tooth decay;

5. Difficulty in keeping the dentures clean;

6. Infections of the salivary gland, especially of parotitis become frequent;

7. Frequent oral infections;

8. Reduced tasting ability or bad taste like that of a metal;

9. Hoarse voice;

10. Difficulty in speech;

11. Difficulty in chewing and swallowing food;

12. Frequently having a dry cough.

Causes Of Dry Mouth

Potential causes of dry mouth are the following:

Side Effects of Drugs

About 400 kinds of drugs have been reported to affect the salivary gland and cause dry mouth. Salivation is reduced with two hypo salivation drugs that are consumed simultaneously for a longer duration.

The following medicines are known to cause dry mouth:

1. Antipsychotic agents;

2. Drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, commonly known as Cardiovascular agents. It’s including antihypertensive drugs;

3. Antidepressants;

4. Tranquillisers and hypnotics;

5. Amphetamine derivatives;

6. Anticonvulsant;

7. Antiparkinsonian drugs;

8. Some gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems agents;

9. Anti-allergics, including antihistamines;

10. Anti-inflammatory drugs, including steroids and some non-steroidal agents.

11. Antineoplastic agents (drugs used for the treatment of tumours and cancer).

Lifestyle

Tobacco usage and smoking make a person more susceptible to dry mouth. Athletes are also prone to oral dehydration.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Breathing through the oral cavity and reduced water consumption can also cause dry mouth.

Tumours

Tumours of the salivary gland can affect the production of saliva and can lead to dry mouth.

Effect of Systemic Diseases

If a person has an autoimmune disease for a long time, it will affect the moisture-producing glands and could lead to dry mouth and dry eyes. Other systemic diseases such as diabetes, liver disorders, thyroid diseases, and HIV can also cause xerostomia.

Cancer Treatment

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy especially on neck and head can affect salivary glands and can cause dry mouth.

Neurological Conditions

Nervous disorders such as Alzheimer’s or stroke can also cause dry mouth.