Dry Mouth

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) is a disorder often associated with disorders of salivia production. It affects about 10% of people and is more common complaint in women than men. It can be a very uncomfortable condition and its symptoms vary in scope and severity.

Symptoms include

• Difficulty eating, swallowing, speaking
• Chapped lips and tongue
• Burning sensation of tongue and throat
• Dry throat
• Bad breath
• Mouth ulcers
• Gum disease
• Increased dental decay
• Thrush infections
• Inflammed soft tissue of mouth and throat

The causes of dry mouth include

• Side effect of some medications - some blood pressure medications - some antihistamines - some antidepressants
• Radiation treatments to head and neck
• Diabetes
• Hormonal imbalance
• Sjogren's Syndrome
• Lupus
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• During pregnancy
• During breastfeeding
• Mouth breathing
• Sleep Apnea

Suggestions to relieve dryness

• Take frequent sips of water
• Use water spray bottle to moisten mouth
• Chew sugarless gum to stimulate salivia flow
• Suck sugarless hard candy eg sugar free lozenges
• Suck ice blocks
• Drink frequently while eating. This will make chewing and swallowing easier and may improve taste
• Use non spicey, bland gravies as accompaniment to dishes
• Limit caffeine. many patents report increased dryness after drinking caffeine beverages
• Saliva substitute (over the counter or from your dentist) GC Dry Mouth, Biotene Oral Balance
• Dry Mouth Mouthwash such as Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse

Regular visits to your dentist are suggested to proactively treat associated increase in dental decay and gum disease