What is xerostomia or dry mouth?
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American Dental Association answered:Saliva helps wash away food particles and keeps the mouth moist. Without adequate saliva, bacteria continue to colonize. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common complaint among diabetic dental patients and patients undergoing radiation of the head and neck for cancer therapy. Constant dryness irritates the soft tissues in the mouth, often making them inflamed and painful. This condition greatly increases the risk of tooth decay and periodontal diseases.Saliva helps wash away food particles and keeps the mouth moist. Without adequate saliva, bacteria continue to colonize. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common complaint among diabetic dental patients and patients undergoing radiation of the... More -
Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is common problem that can be caused by antihistamines or other medications, or by health conditions such as diabetes or Sjogren's syndrome (an autoimmune disease). If you have severe dry mouth, talk to a doctor or dentist about treatment. Dry mouth often causes difficulty with chewing and swallowing and an increase in cavities because of a lack of saliva. Normally, saliva is a lubricant that contains many chemicals that bathe the teeth and protect them from acid-producing bacteria. Home remedies for dry mouth include frequently rinsing the mouth with water, using special oral rinses, and chewing sugar-free gum.
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is common problem that can be caused by antihistamines or other medications, or by health conditions such as diabetes or Sjogren's syndrome (an autoimmune disease). If you have severe dry mouth, talk to a doctor or... More -
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is characterized by a lack of saliva in the mouth. Dry mouth commonly affects almost everyone at one time or another, but persistent dry mouth can lead to problems eating, talking, or even cause dental decay. Dry mouth is often a side effect of medication, but there are many other causes.
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is characterized by a lack of saliva in the mouth. Dry mouth commonly affects almost everyone at one time or another, but persistent dry mouth can lead to problems eating, talking, or even cause dental decay. Dry... More -
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a reduction of saliva production. Xerostomia is a common problem, and it is important not to ignore a dry mouth. Xerostomia is not a disease, but it may be a symptom of various medical conditions, a side effect of a radiation to the head and neck, or a side effect of a wide variety of medications.
The average healthy adult produces about three pints of saliva in 24 hours. This secretion serves many purposes. Saliva is important in the digestive process of breaking foods down for absorption and use by the body. Saliva washes away food and plaque from the teeth and helps prevent tooth decay. Saliva also limits bacterial growth that can dissolve tooth enamel or lead to mouth infections. Saliva neutralizes damaging acids in the mouth, enhances the ability to taste food, and makes it easier to swallow.
Xerostomia is a common complaint found often among older adults, affecting approximately 20% of the elderly. Mouth dryness may be due in part to the effects of aging. According to proposed theories, as individuals age, the salivary glands may secrete less saliva.
Xerostomia may be caused by medications, such as antihypertensives, antidepressants, analgesics, tranquilizers, diuretics, chemotherapy, and antihistamines. Xerostomia may also be caused by other health conditions, such as bone marrow transplants, endocrine disorders, stress, depression, nerve damage to the neck or face areas, and Sjogren's syndrome (an autoimmune disease). Also, radiation treatment that is focused on or near the salivary gland can temporarily or permanently damage the salivary glands.
Methods to reduce mouth dryness include hydration (drinking plenty of fluids such as water) and sucking on sugar-free lozenges, which can stimulate the production of saliva.
Although the treatment depends on the cause, dry mouth is often a side effect of medications. Dry mouth may improve with an adjusted dosage or new prescription.
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Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a reduction of saliva production. Xerostomia is a common problem, and it is important not to ignore a dry mouth. Xerostomia is not a disease, but it may be a symptom of various medical conditions, a side effect of a... More -
Dr. John Van der Werff answered:It is the excessive dryness of the mouth. Some dryness is experienced after sleep but dryness during the day is not normal.It is the excessive dryness of the mouth. Some dryness is experienced after sleep but dryness during the day is not normal. More
