Dry mouth, or xerostomia as it is know in the medical community, is a condition in which there is a lack of saliva production. It is very common, but can cause great discomfort. Dry mouth can affect how you enjoy food and how healthy your teeth are, because saliva contains lysosymes, enzymes that help prevent tooth decay. This can have a detrimental effect on your body's nutritional status and may cause you to lose weigh involuntary.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
Symptoms of xerostomia include severe dryness in the mouth, thick saliva, sores or split sides of the lips, cracked lips, recurrent fungal infections in the mouth, and chronic bad breath. In some cases, patients experience difficulty swallowing or even speaking, a chronic sore throat and a permanent altered state of taste. In addition, people who suffer from xerostomia usually have a higher risk of plaque, tooth decay and gum disease.
Causes of Xerostomia
Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of things but the most obvious cause is dehydration. However, once that has been ruled out, other factors that may cause dry mouth are medication side-effects; cancer therapy, because chemotherapy can change the nature of the saliva; aging; nerve damage; and certain health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease, HIV/AIDS and anxiety disorders like depression. Also, Alzheimer's disease can slowly cause the perception of dry mouth even though saliva is still being produced at a normal rate.
Nutrition Recommendations for Dry Mouth
By making and eating softer foods, you can make it easier for yourself to swallow food. Mix food with sauces and gravies so they become moist and easier to pass. Also, sip water between meals so that your food is liquidized as it goes through the digestive tract. Try eating mashed or pureed foods instead of hard and crunchy foods if you are finding them harder to swallow. Finally, try to eat your fruits and vegetables cooked and not raw, as these are easier to chew, swallow and digest and are less of a chocking hazard.
How to Increase Saliva Production
Chew on sugar-free gum or sugar-free hard candy. Also try to use gum that has xylitol, because it helps protect your teeth against cavities. Finally, drink lots of water throughout the day to keep mouth wet and moist. Try to always carry a bottle of water with you. Finally, don't forget your protein. Cook protein foods, like poultry or beans, until they are quite tender to make it easier for you to swallow.
