Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands are not working properly. The medical term for this condition is known as xerostomia. Dry mouth may be caused by several factors, such as medications, diuretics and the natural aging process, and may be troublesome. This is a common condition among the elderly as the flow of saliva slows with age. If you are suffering from dry mouth most or all of the time, let your physician know.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common condition that may affect the taste of foods as well as the health of your teeth and gums. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition may cause problems because your saliva aids in preventing tooth decay by washing away food and plaque therefore limiting the growth of bacteria.
Causes
Nerve damage, diabetes, dehydration, medications, aging and cancer therapy are among the few causes of xerostomia. When the elderly suffer from this condition, experts at the Mayo Clinic say that it may be caused by medications or other health conditions. When dry mouth is the result of nerve damage, the nerves supplying oral sensation are typically injured from a wound or a surgical procedure to the neck or head. Among the hundreds of medications that cause dry mouth, the most common are antidepressants and antihypertensives.
Symptoms
Symptoms of dry mouth may include bad breath, excessive dryness in your mouth, cracked or chapped lips, sore throat and difficulty swallowing or speaking to name a few. According to the Dry Mouth website, dry mouth may also cause sensitivity to spicy and salty foods and extensive tooth decay.
Treatment
Treatment for dry mouth is determined by the cause. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, if dry mouth is caused by medications, your physician may change the medication, adjust the dosage or suggest that you use artificial saliva to help keep your mouth wet. Medications are also available to increase saliva production.
Prevention
Saliva production may be increased by chewing a piece of sugar-free gum or by sucking on a piece of sugar-free candy. Additionally, brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing and avoiding sugary foods may reduce the frequency of dry mouth. Caffeinated drinks, tobacco products and alcohol will cause your mouth to become dry. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, visiting your dentist at least twice yearly for a check-up is recommended.
