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 has a very high level of prevalence. Approximations indicate that ten percent of the world population is somehow affected by the disease. Looking at the world population today, this is means that thousands of millions of people have it. Prevalence also seems to be highest in women compared to men. Additionally, people on prescription and nonprescription medications as well as the elderly people are at a higher risk of being affected.
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 using methods that stimulate saliva to be produced. Chewing gums, lemon drops, and certain medications are the main methods used. To avoid teeth problems, chewing gums should not be sugary. Also, medications should be avoided by asthma and glaucoma patients.
Xerostomia has a very high level of prevalence. Approximations indicate that ten percent of the world population is somehow affected by the disease. Looking at the world population today, this is means that thousands of millions of people have it. Prevalence also seems to be highest in women compared to men. Additionally, people on prescription and nonprescription medications as well as the elderly people are at a higher risk of being affected.
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 using methods that stimulate saliva to be produced. Chewing gums, lemon drops, and certain medications are the main methods used. To avoid teeth problems, chewing gums should not be sugary. Also, medications should be avoided by asthma and glaucoma patients.
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