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
