Fighting Effects of Dry Mouth

So, you are experiencing Dry Mouth on a number of occasions and you are wondering what is the cause, here is what you need to know. DryMouth is a condition that is not uncommon. It can happen because you are nervous, under stress or upset. However, if your situation persists and become chronic, it could be a sign of a medical problem.

 

Dry Mouth is a condition whereby the saliva gland does not produce a sufficient amount of saliva to rinse away debris and remineralize the teeth enamel. Lack of saliva can damage the enamel of your teeth, and your teeth will lack the protection needed to resist acid attacks. Saliva protect your teeth from cavities and tooth decay, prevent infections, help digest food and help you swallow and chew.

Saliva is also needed to assist in the ability to talk and eat comfortably. An adequate amount of saliva contains enzymes that break down food to make it easy to digest.

Severe Dry Mouth can lead to serious dental issues. However knowing the causes, the symptoms, and the remedies of Dry Mouth you can minimize discomforts and effectively treat the condition.

Causes
There are several reasons why your salivary gland does not function properly. Some of the causes include:

Ageing: The elderly tend to suffer Dry Mouth symptoms.

Smoking: Many cigar, pipe and cigarette smokers suffer Dry Mouth symptoms.

Malfunction of the salivary glands: If your neck or head are exposed to radiation from cancer treatments, your salivary glands can be affected. The saliva loss effects can be partial, total, temporarily or permanently.

Medication side effects: There are more than 400 medicines available that can cause Dry Mouth. These medications include decongestants, diuretics, pain killers, antihistamines and depression and high blood pressure medication.

Diseases: Diseases like Parkinson's disease, Hodgkin's, HIV/AIDS, Sjogren's syndrome and diabetes can cause Dry Mouth.

Chemotherapy drugs: Drugs used for chemotherapy can make your saliva thick, causing a dry sensation in your Mouth.

Menopause: A change in hormone levels can affect the salivary glands, often leaving menopausal and post-menopausal women with a persistent feeling of dry Mouth.

Symptoms

Dry Mouth is uncomfortable, and it increases the risk of tooth decay and cavities. Some of the symptoms include:

-Bad Breath

-Sore or dry throat

-Chapped or crack lips

-Mouth sore

-A change in the sense of taste

-Mouth feeling sticky

-Sandpaper, dry sensation in your Mouth

-Trouble swallowing

Remedies

While sipping water can temporarily ease symptoms, it does not address the problem of saliva production. Neither does sucking on lozenges, which can contribute to your Mouth health and manage your condition.

 

Some lozenges, however, can be effective, if they contain Xylitol, which is a sugar substitute and are sugar-free. Clinical studies show Xylitol can stimulate the flow of saliva and prevent cavities and tooth decay. Other studies show that the sucking motion, which works the chewing muscles and the prolonged flavor of lozenges, can boost saliva production.

 

 

Alternative Remedies

 

 

There are other Dry Mouth coping techniques that are recommended by the Cleveland Clinic. These techniques include:

 

-Suck on ice chips

-Drink water frequently

-Chew sugar-free gum that contains Xylitol

-Avoid dry, salty and sugary drinks and food

-Limit caffeine intake and alcoholic beverages

-Quit smoking

-Maintain good oral habits

 

Consult with your dentist or healthcare provider if you are experiencing the above symptoms. Knowing the cause and the symptoms can help you find a treatment that is best for you.