Dry mouth as a medical condition results from a decrease in the amount of saliva produced in the mouth. Another name used to refer to the name is xerostomia. Patients become unable to speak or do so with a lot of difficulty in some conditions. Malnutrition has also been experienced in most patients. When the condition is very severe, permanent mouth and throat disorders occur reducing the quality of life of the patient significantly. When one needs experts in dry mouth Newfoundlands should be considered first.
Xerostomia prevalence is very high in the world. Over ten percent of the population of the world gets affected, according to research. That means that millions of people are currently suffering from the disease. Men are at a lower risk of catching the disease than women. Patients on medication and old people are also at an even higher risk.
Saliva as much as it may often be taken for granted, serves a lot of important functions inside the oral cavity. Saliva has lubricating properties that help to offer comfort and protection in the oral cavity. It protects oral tissues against sores, ulcers, and effects caused by friction. It also helps in neutralization of acids and provision of antibodies against threat posed by bacteria. Tasting is assisted by saliva because it acts as a solvent. Finally, digestion starts inside the oral cavity through the activity of saliva.
Causes for xerostomia are many and diverse. In most cases, it is a side effect that results from taking medications that reduce the production of saliva. Such medications include blood pressure medications, diuretics, antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, and antihistamines among many others. Other major causes include hormonal imbalance, mouth breathing, autoimmune, diabetes, salivary gland disease, sleep apnea, and radiation treatment for cancerous tumors in the neck and head region.
It is sometimes hard to identify xerostomia because it is associated with several different symptoms and signs. However, first signs include trouble or difficulty in swallowing, speaking, tasting food, and eating. These symptoms are more noticeable at night. The disease has many serious effects like persistent cough, bad breath, dry eyes, white tongue, headaches, cracked lips, pale gums, and dizziness.
Diagnosis includes inspection of salivary glands for blockages. The doctor may also measure saliva flow in the presence and absence of stimulation. Xerostomia cannot be prevented, but the effects can be minimized. Catching the disease earlier makes management of effects more successful.
There are many ways of treating xerostomia and one can choose whichever works for them. Some of the options available include prevention of caries, saliva stimulation, saliva substitution, and yeast infection. Saliva substitution aims at keeping the oral cavity wet by drinking liquids. The dryness is increased if the liquids contain alcohol.
Saliva stimulation involves application of various methods that stimulate production of saliva. These could include chewing gum and use of lemon drops and various medications. Gums chewed should not have sugar in them while medications should be avoided by people with asthma and glaucoma.
Xerostomia prevalence is very high in the world. Over ten percent of the population of the world gets affected, according to research. That means that millions of people are currently suffering from the disease. Men are at a lower risk of catching the disease than women. Patients on medication and old people are also at an even higher risk.
Saliva as much as it may often be taken for granted, serves a lot of important functions inside the oral cavity. Saliva has lubricating properties that help to offer comfort and protection in the oral cavity. It protects oral tissues against sores, ulcers, and effects caused by friction. It also helps in neutralization of acids and provision of antibodies against threat posed by bacteria. Tasting is assisted by saliva because it acts as a solvent. Finally, digestion starts inside the oral cavity through the activity of saliva.
Causes for xerostomia are many and diverse. In most cases, it is a side effect that results from taking medications that reduce the production of saliva. Such medications include blood pressure medications, diuretics, antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, and antihistamines among many others. Other major causes include hormonal imbalance, mouth breathing, autoimmune, diabetes, salivary gland disease, sleep apnea, and radiation treatment for cancerous tumors in the neck and head region.
It is sometimes hard to identify xerostomia because it is associated with several different symptoms and signs. However, first signs include trouble or difficulty in swallowing, speaking, tasting food, and eating. These symptoms are more noticeable at night. The disease has many serious effects like persistent cough, bad breath, dry eyes, white tongue, headaches, cracked lips, pale gums, and dizziness.
Diagnosis includes inspection of salivary glands for blockages. The doctor may also measure saliva flow in the presence and absence of stimulation. Xerostomia cannot be prevented, but the effects can be minimized. Catching the disease earlier makes management of effects more successful.
There are many ways of treating xerostomia and one can choose whichever works for them. Some of the options available include prevention of caries, saliva stimulation, saliva substitution, and yeast infection. Saliva substitution aims at keeping the oral cavity wet by drinking liquids. The dryness is increased if the liquids contain alcohol.
Saliva stimulation involves application of various methods that stimulate production of saliva. These could include chewing gum and use of lemon drops and various medications. Gums chewed should not have sugar in them while medications should be avoided by people with asthma and glaucoma.
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