ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT XEROSTOMIA / DRY MOUTH
Friday, July 3rd, 2009Dry mouth, also known as Xerostomia is a common condition that affects about one in every four to five adults, primarily women. The primary cause of dry mouth is due to the lack of saliva to keep the mouth wet. There is decreased secretion from salivary glands, which results in this condition.
It is a common condition among young adults (around 20 years of age) and elders (60-80 years of age). Some of the common symptoms of Xerostomia are:
1. A sticky, dry feeling in your mouth and tongue
2. Cracked lips
3. Difficulty in chewing, swallowing, tasting, or talking
4. Mouth sores
5. Frequent bad breath
6. Dentures that do not fit comfortably
Saliva helps in chewing, swallowing and digesting food. It also protects teeth from decay by diluting and washing away the food residuals, sugars and the acids produced by bacteria. When saliva is in shortage, as in dry mouth condition, it can cause the following health risks.
1. Reduced saliva flow results in lower pH levels in the mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and oral infections.
2. It can lead to dryness; a burning or sore feeling in the mouth or throat; bad or reduced taste; dentures becoming loose; difficulty in chewing, swallowing and even speaking.
The following preventive measures can prevent Xerostomia or ‘dry mouth’ condition.
1. Sleeping with an open mouth causes dry mouth condition early in the morning. Make a conscious effort to breathe through the nose.
2. Steaming is a great relief for dry mouth as well as blocked nasal passages
3. The market is filled with various dry mouth products. There are medicinal lozenges that are highly effective for dry mouth. Ensure to choose only lozenges that offer long lasting relief.
4. Practice good hygiene. Brush/floss regularly and gargle on a regular basis.
5. Celery, healthy liquids and parsley are good food substitutes to chew on. They retain moisture content and are good for weight management too!
6. Consume more than 8 glasses of water everyday.
7. Avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption.