Dry mouth
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, means any condition where the patient experiences unusual dryness in the mouth. Dry mouth is usually caused by insufficient saliva production in the salivary glands in the mouth. The condition is sometimes a side effect of medication In rare cases, dry mouth is caused by a disease that directly affects the salivary glands.
Dry mouth is a frequent problem The condition can be limited to a simple unpleasant feeling However, in some cases, dry mouth affects general health, teeth, appetite and enjoyment of food.
Saliva prevents tooth decay by neutralizing the acids produced by bacteria, which limits the growth of bacteria and helps rid the teeth of food debris. Saliva also enhances the perception of taste and makes swallowing easier Also, salivary enzymes take part in digestion
Dry mouth has many causes:
- Medications Many medications, including over-the-counter medications, cause dry mouth as a side effect. Medications used to treat depression, nerve pain (neuropathy) and anxiety are more likely to cause dry mouth. Certain antihistamine medications, nasal decongestants, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers can also cause the condition.
- aging Increasing age does not always cause dry mouth However, older people are more likely to take medications that can cause dry mouth The risk of having dry mouth diseases is also high in the elderly
- Tumor therapy Chemotherapy drugs cause a change in the composition and quantity of saliva This process can be temporary and stop after cessation of fertility Radiation therapy to the head and neck sometimes damages the salivary glands, resulting in decreased saliva production. Dry mouth caused by radiation therapy may be temporary or permanent The duration of the condition depends on the dose and the volume treated
- Nerve damage Traumatic or surgical damage can affect a nerve in the head or neck, sometimes resulting in dry mouth.
- Other health problems Dry mouth is the result of some diseases, such as the autoimmune disease Sjogren's syndrome or AIDS. Stroke and Alzheimer's disease can cause a dry mouth, even though the salivary glands are functioning normally. Snoring and mouth breathing also cause dry mouth
- Tobacco consumption Smoking or chewing tobacco increases the symptoms of dry mouth
- Use of methamphetamines The use of methamphetamines causes severe dryness of the mouth and damage to the teeth
Treatment depends on the cause of dry mouth
If your mouth does not produce enough saliva, the following symptoms may occur:
- Dry mouth or throat
- Thickened or viscous saliva
- Bad breath
- Difficulty chewing, speaking and
