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Dry Mouth

Although not a disease itself, Xerostomia--or dry mouth--can be a side effect of a number of medical conditions, like particular cancer treatment methods. It's also a common side-effect of significant drug abuse. Although many people experience a dry mouth at some point in their lives, instances lasting more than an hour may be an indicator of a more serious condition. Xerostomia can also occur as a side effect of several medications, after radiation or chemotherapy treatment above the neck, or through trauma to the salivary glands. Saliva has several important functions, including cleansing and removing food debris. A consistently low saliva level can lead to a burning or scalding sensation and decreased oral hygiene. It can also leave you vulnerable to a number of dental problems, including periodontal disease, tooth decay, oral infections, and intolerance of dentures.

Symptoms

Patients with Xerostomia often experience problems with eating, speaking, swallowing and wearing dentures. Many dry foods can be difficult or impossible to eat. A consistently dry mouth is bad news for denture wearers, as it can cause denture sores, problems with retention, and the tongue to stick to the palate. Xerostomia can also reduce the ability to taste, cause pain in the tongue, or create a constant need to drink water. Several other problems associated with Xerostomia include: an increased vulnerablility to infection, increased dental caries, an enlargement of the parotid gland, inflammation of the lips, ulcers on the tongue, infections of the salivary gland and possibly halitosis.

Causes

Xerostomia is often a sign of an underlying disease such as uncontrolled diabetes, Sjorgrens syndrome or Lambert-Eaton syndrome. Other potential causes of Xerostomia include anxiety, drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, trauma to the salivary glands, dehydration, radiation therapy, or as a natural result of the aging process. Xerostomia can also be a side effect of certain medications or as a complication of drug abuse.

Treatment

In order to successfully treat Xerostomia, it's necessary to deal with the underlying cause. For instance, if your dry mouth is a side effect of medication or drugs, then it's common to reduce the dose or try a different medication if possible. Morphine and antidepressants are some of the most common causes of dry mouth; it is also frequently caused by antihistamines, beta blockers, and diuretics.

There are some simple remedies which can be used in cases of mild Xerostomia, such as sucking on ice cubes, eating partially frozen pineapple or melon pieces, chewing sugar-free chewing gum, or applying petroleum jelly to the lips to imitate saliva's protection against drying and cracking.

In more serious cases it's possible to be prescribed artificial saliva which is of a neutral pH and contains electrolytes to mimic the composition of saliva. Research shows that benefits can also be had from carmellose-based products and the long term use of acidic products, although if used frequently this can lead to the dimneralising of tooth enamel. Similarly there's several other products which can help such as salivary stimulants in pastille form, special tablets for those with an impairment of the salivary gland and certain medications for dry mouth as a side effect of radiotherapy. Pilocrapine tablets can also be used in treating Xerostomia which occurs due to radiation therapy or dry mouth occurring due to Sjogren's syndrome.

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