Xerostomia-Dry Mouth

Xerostomia, also known as Dry mouth has many causes, in many, but not all cases, it is caused by reduced or absent saliva flow due to impaired salivary gland function. The most common complaints among patients are: dry lips and mouth, burning or painful sensation of the tongue, constant sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty chewing and swallowing food, food has no taste, bad breath and difficulty wearing removable dentures.

While oral dryness may not sound serious, it can be a contributing factor to many oral health issues including increased plaque build up, tooth demineralization, dental caries, erosion, ulcers of the tongue, lining of the cheeks and lips, and oral candidiasis (yeast infection).

Common Causes of Xerostomia:

• Cancer treatments, such as Chemotherapy and radiation to the head and neck area
• Autoimmune diseases such as: Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune thyroiditis, and lupus
• Chronic infections  such as Hepatitis C and HIV
•  Some medications such as antidepressants, antihistamines, opiates, antiparkinsonians, anxiolytics, interfere with salivary gland receptors reducing the production and volume of saliva.
• Antihypertensives and diuretics interfere with the body’s water, salt and electrolyte balance, which changes the saliva’s composition.
• Bulimia and anorexia
• Chronic use of drugs and alcohol
• Smoking

Everyone is at risk for xerostomia, but it tends to be more common in the elderly. It isn’t because of age they are more at risk for the condition, but they are more likely to have systemic diseases and health issues that are linked to dry mouth. Women between the ages of 40 and 60 are also at risk, as they are undergoing hormonal changes, such as menopause, which affects salivary gland function and induces dry mouth.

There are medications ands tips to help manage and relieve the symptoms of dry mouth. Over-the-counter saliva substitutes, that mimic saliva to help moisturize and make the mouth feel more lubricated. They come in the form of mouth gels, lozenges, tablets, sprays and mouth rinses. There are also prescription medications that your dentist can prescribe such as pilocarpine and cevimeline which activate the salivary gland receptors and increase saliva production.

Here are some tips you can try at home:

• Sip water frequently throughout the day, this helps moisten the mouth and rinse away debris.
• Use Vaseline or lip balm to soothe dry lips
• Limit amount of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, caffeine is a diuretic and affects the body’s salt, water and electrolyte balance.
• Seek help to quit smoking, check out local smoking cessation classes offered in your area.
• Try using a humidifier in your bedroom at night; dry mouth sufferers usually feel worse at night.
•  Avoid strong mint flavored foods, such as gum or mints.
• Avoid irritating foods or beverages that are dry, spicy, excessively hot or cold or contain alcohol.
•  Avoid using mouth rinses that contain alcohol or are strongly flavored, ask your dentist for recommendations.
• Special food preparation, Blended and moist foods are easier to swallow.

Keep in mind that these are tips to help relieve symptoms and not a permanent solution. It is also important to remember that xerostomia increases the risk of gum disease and dental caries, so maintaining your oral health care by brushing twice a day, flossing and limiting your intake of sugary or acidic foods can reduce these risks significantly.