Dry mouth, a condition also known as xerostomia, affects individuals from all walks of life. According to StateUniversity.com, dry mouth occurs when your salivary glands cease production of saliva, the substance that is responsible for keeping your mouth moist and free of bacteria and fungi. Common complaints of dry mouth include the lack of saliva and increased thirst.
Diseases
Dry mouth is a major sign of certain illnesses or treatments. According to CancerCare.org, patients who undergo radiation therapies for neck and head cancers are at increased risk of developing severe dry mouth. Anemia, diabetes, lupus, salivary gland infection and emotional stress also contribute to severe dry mouth. In rare cases, small tumors or stones may form, causing a blockage within your salivary glands requiring further medical evaluation and treatment.
Medications
Along with disease, certain medications used to treat some conditions also carry the side effect of dry mouth. CancerCare states that certain medications used for nausea and vomiting are among these irritants of xerostomia. Chemotherapy treatments promote dehydration, which depletes the salivary glands of adequate moisture. Dry mouth is not limited to prescription medication treatments. Always read side-effect labels on any over-the-counter medication to determine whether this is the cause of your dry mouth.
Treatment
Treatment options for dry mouth can lie in controlling medications and diseases that aggravate the condition. Medications that are culprit to dry mouth may be changed to a milder formulation. Medications to control disease are to be followed exactly as prescribed, allowing for dry mouth occurrence to decrease, according to StateUniversity.com. A thorough medical evaluation will determine whether any blockage is present in the salivary glands or ducts, which would require removal by a professional licensed physician.
Prevention/Solution
Although treatment for disease and other disorders is unavoidable, certain steps can be taken to help prevent and minimize dry mouth discomfort. Good oral hygiene such as regular brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash will keep your salivary glands in working order while preventing bacteria from forming. CancerCare suggests visiting your dentist monthly while undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatments. Discussing your concerns for dry mouth with your doctor will also help you both make informed decisions on possible medication triggers. According to StateUniversity.com, saliva substitutes are also available to alleviate symptoms.
Considerations
Avoiding smoking, and drinking alcohol and products that contain alcohol will help stop tooth and gum disease from forming as a result of dry mouth. Floss no more than once daily, states CancerCare. While oral hygiene is the all-important factor, drinking eight to 10 glasses of water per day as well as moistening your mouth several times during the day will stop dehydration and help control saliva output.
