Dry mouth is a medical condition that is caused by a decrease in the production of saliva in the mouth. The condition is also referred to as xerostomia. In some instances, the patient may experience difficulties speaking or may not be able to speak at all. The condition may result in malnutrition, and if the situation is in severe stages, permanent throat and mouth disorders may result, which may cause impairment of quality of life. When in need of experts in dry mouth Newfoundlands is the place to go.
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.
The causes of xerostomia are many and varied. However, it has been observed to result as a side effect of various medications that reduce or inhibit saliva production in most cases. Such medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, blood pressure medications, antihistamines, antidepressants, and diuretics. Hormonal imbalance, mouth breathing, sleep apnea, diabetes, autoimmune, salivary gland disease, and radiation treatment for cancer are among the main causes besides medications.
Dry mouth is associated with several signs and symptoms. Usually the patient starts having trouble eating, tasting food, swallowing, and speaking. The symptoms may be more revealed at nighttime. Dryness of oral cavity may sometimes lead to bad breath, persistent cough, dizziness, headaches, pale gums, dry eyes, white tongue, and cracked lips among others.
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.
Treatments for xerostomia are many and the choice of the method to use depends on various factors like personal preference of the patient. Major treatment options currently available are prevention of caries, yeast infection, saliva stimulation, and saliva substitution. Saliva substitution involves taking liquids that help in keeping the mouth wet. The liquids chosen should not have any alcohol content because that worsens the problem.
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.
The causes of xerostomia are many and varied. However, it has been observed to result as a side effect of various medications that reduce or inhibit saliva production in most cases. Such medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, blood pressure medications, antihistamines, antidepressants, and diuretics. Hormonal imbalance, mouth breathing, sleep apnea, diabetes, autoimmune, salivary gland disease, and radiation treatment for cancer are among the main causes besides medications.
Dry mouth is associated with several signs and symptoms. Usually the patient starts having trouble eating, tasting food, swallowing, and speaking. The symptoms may be more revealed at nighttime. Dryness of oral cavity may sometimes lead to bad breath, persistent cough, dizziness, headaches, pale gums, dry eyes, white tongue, and cracked lips among others.
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.
Treatments for xerostomia are many and the choice of the method to use depends on various factors like personal preference of the patient. Major treatment options currently available are prevention of caries, yeast infection, saliva stimulation, and saliva substitution. Saliva substitution involves taking liquids that help in keeping the mouth wet. The liquids chosen should not have any alcohol content because that worsens the problem.
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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