Did you know that about 10% of the general population and 25% of older people have dry mouth syndrome? A dry mouth, also known as xerostomia (zeer-oh-stoh-mee-ah), is a condition where your salivary glands don’t make enough saliva, resulting in a dry mouth. A number of things may cause this condition. If you are curious about the causes, symptoms and treatments for dry mouth, read below. 

What Are Salivary Glands and Why are They Important?

The salivary glands are important to keep your mouth moist and help you digest food. These glands are located around the mouth and throat. When saliva is created from these glands, it is pumped into the mouth along tiny channels called salivary ducts. 

Salivary glands are important to aid us in digesting our food and reduce the risk of tooth decay. You may not know it, but saliva has antifungal properties that destroy various pathogens and regulate bacterial growth. It also boosts sensation inside the mouth and allows for better speech formation.

Signs & Symptoms

Dry mouth is common. However, when it consistently occurs and doesn’t go away, then it can be a problem. These are the symptoms of dry mouth:

  • rough, dry tongue
  • bad breath
  • dry and cracked lips
  • thick and sticky feeling in the mouth or throat
  • problems with tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking
  • the tongue tends to stick at the roof of the mouth
  • mouth ulcers
  • burning sensation in the mouth
  • gum irritation
  • loose acrylic dentures
  • high rate of tooth decay

There are other symptoms that may be associated with dry mouth that occur outside the mouth, such as:

  • dry and itchy eyes
  • reduced sense of smell
  • joint pains or stiffness
  • inexplicable weight loss
  • dry nose or throat
  • frequent coughing
  • constipation

Causes of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth occurs when salivary glands don’t work properly, which can be caused by stress, medications, anxiety, cancer therapy, ageing, and autoimmune disorders like Sjorgren’s syndrome. 

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease wherein a person’s white blood cells attack their moisture-producing glands in the eyes and salivary glands in the mouth. These can cause dry eyes, dry mouth, joint pain and fatigue. It can also cause other dysfunctions in the blood vessels, liver, kidneys and central nervous system.

Tooth decay is also a common symptom of dry mouth. Common causes of tooth decay are poor oral hygiene and too much sugar. However, dry mouth syndrome causes a different pattern of tooth decay. The decay starts along the gum exposing the underlying tooth layer. 

Treatment

To treat dry mouth, you have to know the cause of the problem. If your dry mouth is caused by medicine, you may ask your physician to give you an alternative or lessen the dosage. It’s still best to consult your doctor or dentist. If your salivary glands are still working properly, your doctor might give you medication to help them work better. 

Prevention

There are a couple of steps you can do to prevent dry mouth:

  • Avoid sugar and acidic foods
  • Avoid tobacco or alcohol
  • Maintain proper hydration
  • Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas
  • Always brush your teeth and take good care of your mouth
  • Ask for a professional recommendation for oral care products 
  • Use a humidifier at night

Final Thoughts

Dry mouth is never a comfortable experience. It can be painful to some and give others difficulty swallowing. Consulting your doctor is your best way to treat it, as this can prevent the issues it may cause. 

If you are looking for an emergency dental clinic in Edmonton, contact Edmonton Smiles. We offer emergency dental, teeth whitening, and preventive services. Contact us today!

 

Posted in Dental News