Suffering From Dry Mouth? What You Need To Know

Normal production of saliva in the mouth is essential to a number of functions in our body. The process of digestion actually starts with the salivary enzymes as soon as food enters the mouth. Our saliva also contains a number of elements that help maintain a neutral pH in the mouth and thus protect the teeth from demineralization. Certain antibodies are also concentrated in saliva and play a vital role in keeping the oral tissues protected from potential pathogens.

Thus, it can be a big problem for the body when the production of saliva reduces or even stops completely. This condition is commonly referred to as a dry mouth, or scientifically as Xerostomia.

Symptoms Associated With Dry Mouth

• Constantly feeling thirsty
• Dryness of the mouth and the tongue. The texture of the mouth also becomes rougher, almost sandpapery. Some people also complain of a "sticky" feeling.
• The appearance of whitish growth on the surface of the tongue.
• Cracking of the sides of the mouth, near the corner of the lips.
• Difficulty in speaking
• Chewing food becomes difficult and the tolerance to any sort of rough texture, spices and extreme temperatures is greatly reduced.
• Halitosis or bad breath
• A burning sensation in the mouth

What Causes Dry Mouth?

There are a number of things that can cause a dry mouth, ranging from dehydration to genetic disorders.

Dehydration

If there is a reduction in the amount of water content in the body then there is a reduction in the amount of saliva that is formed. This is an easily reversible condition where the amount of salivary production will return back to normal as soon as the body gets rehydrated.

Side effects Of Medication

Some classes of drugs that have been known to affect salivary production include antidepressants, antihistamines, and drugs used in the treatment of anxiety, diarrhea, obesity, high blood pressure and asthma. Over the counter sprays and nasal decongestants can also cause a reduction in the amount of saliva being formed.

If patients do find themselves having a reaction to a medication, then they should get in touch with their doctor and let them know. Different classes of drugs can be utilized which do not have that side effect without compromising the aims of treatment.

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Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects almost each and every part of the body. Small blood vessels and nerve endings are particularly susceptible to damage and this is what is blamed for the reduced efficiency of the salivary glands. Blood flow to the major salivary glands is affected, resulting in a reduction in their ability to produce saliva and thus causing a dry mouth. Plenty of studies have shown that there is a reduction in the number of small blood vessels in poorly controlled diabetics as compared to healthy individuals or well-controlled diabetics.

A reduction in the amount of saliva along with the increased susceptibility to infection as seen in diabetics is a cocktail for disaster, since the patient is almost certain to develop advanced tooth and gum trouble.

More Causes Of Dry Mouth And Their Management

Radiation

Cancers of the head and neck make it necessary for patients to undergo a combination of radiation and chemotherapy. Since the position of these cancers is in close proximity to a number of very important structures, the treatment regimen followed is pretty aggressive.

During this process, some structures like the salivary glands are also exposed to radiation and they undergo collateral damage. The extent of this damage varies with the exact amount of radiation received, however, it is not uncommon for all salivary production to stop.

The damage that is done is irreversible and greatly reduces the quality of the patient’s life.

Sjogren’s Syndrome

The exact mode of inheritance of this genetic disorder is still debated although more and more doctors have started to classify it as an autoimmune disorder. What causes this immune disorder to develop is also unknown. A family history of the disease leads to a higher probability of Sjogren’s syndrome.

The most affected in this syndrome are the secretary glands of the body including the salivary glands. The amount of saliva produced is very minimal or none whatsoever. The condition is again untreatable, although it can be managed.

Management Of Dry Mouth

There are several things that are done to help patients manage their lack of saliva. The treatment usually starts off with an assessment of the amount of saliva that is being produced and to try and determine the underlying cause.

Transient infection and inflammation of the salivary glands can also cause a reduction in the amount of saliva being produced. These are easily treatable with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Any other medication that the patient is on is also examined in case they are causing the dry mouth as a side effect. If so, the identified medication is discontinued.

For situations where there is structural damage or non-modifiable factors are at play, the use of artificial saliva can also be tried. These salivary substitutes help keep the mouth moist, although they do not have the same immune system aiding functions or digestive enzymes in them.

Patients are also encouraged to take in as much fluid as possible or, at least, take in some amount of fluid at short intervals. Oral care for such patients is also very important. Without the protective and cleansing properties of natural saliva, plaque and bacteria are allowed to wreak havoc on the teeth unencumbered.

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An oral hygiene protocol that involves meticulous brushing, flossing, use of special highly fluoridated toothpaste, mouthwashes and interdental cleaning is advised. Patients should also schedule an appointment every three months with their dentist to ensure that their teeth remain healthy by getting a professional scaling done.

Every disease of the oral cavity will progress with alarming speed and root itself with tenacity into the body.

Conclusion

Dry mouth is a very serious condition that requires meticulous management by the doctor and patients themselves. It should not be ignored as it may be a symptom of something more serious.