Although often treated with little importance, saliva is of significant essence in the mouth. A decrease in its production results in a medical condition called dry mouth. This condition is also referred to as xerostomia in the field of medicine. This condition occurs in different levels of severity with the highest level causing permanent damage to the throat and mouth. When in need of treatment for dry mouth Newfoundlands is a good place to consider visiting.
People know very little about xerostomia although it is very prevalent worldwide. According to statistics, up to ten percent of the global population suffers from the condition. Further, more women suffer from the condition compared to men. People who take prescription medications often and the elderly are at an increased risk of suffering from xerostomia.
It is of importance to know why saliva is very important in the oral cavity. First, it serves as a lubricant to keep soft tissues in mouths lubricated. Without lubrication, friction in the mouth would cause ulcers and sores to develop among other effects. Saliva is good for comfort through lubrication. Also, it provides antibodies that combat bacterial infections and neutralizes acids.
Saliva also aids a lot in the process of tasting food. Finally, saliva is required for the first steps of digestion to take place. Having said that, it is understandable how important saliva is for maintenance of good health. Quality of life is impaired by the absence of it. Evident symptoms develop even with the slightest decrease in the quantity produced. The occurrence of xerostomia may be permanent or only temporary.
The causes for xerostomia are many and diverse. One of the major causes for this condition is medication for certain medical conditions including diuretics, antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories among many others. Other major causes include cancerous tumors, salivary gland diseases, hormonal imbalance, autoimmune, diabetes, and mouth breathing. Hormonal change and increased dehydration that accompany breastfeeding and pregnancy may also cause xerostomia.
There exists several causative and risk factors for xerostomia. Eating disorders like anorexia have been quoted as one of the risk factors. Other causative factors are dehydration, depression, and high levels of stress. The disease reveals itself through several signs and symptoms that can be noticed easily. The signs include dryness of the eyes, difficulty in eating, speaking, swallowing, foul breath, persistence in cough, and dizziness.
There are several other conditions associated with xerostomia. For instance, fungal and yeast infections within the oral cavity are common. Often, fungal infection is indicative of other more serious underlying conditions such as HIV, diabetes, and Addisons disease. Additional effects comprise of burning throat and tongue, inflamed soft tissues, periodontitis, ulcers, and sores. Multiple cavities are also likely to develop following the absence of acid neutralization and accumulation of particles of food.
Temporary causes like dehydration and hormonal imbalance may see the condition reverse when they wear out. However, the condition may become permanent if the cause is permanent. Treatment involves administration of substance that substitute or stimulate saliva production. Preventing yeast infection and caries is also an option for treatment.
People know very little about xerostomia although it is very prevalent worldwide. According to statistics, up to ten percent of the global population suffers from the condition. Further, more women suffer from the condition compared to men. People who take prescription medications often and the elderly are at an increased risk of suffering from xerostomia.
It is of importance to know why saliva is very important in the oral cavity. First, it serves as a lubricant to keep soft tissues in mouths lubricated. Without lubrication, friction in the mouth would cause ulcers and sores to develop among other effects. Saliva is good for comfort through lubrication. Also, it provides antibodies that combat bacterial infections and neutralizes acids.
Saliva also aids a lot in the process of tasting food. Finally, saliva is required for the first steps of digestion to take place. Having said that, it is understandable how important saliva is for maintenance of good health. Quality of life is impaired by the absence of it. Evident symptoms develop even with the slightest decrease in the quantity produced. The occurrence of xerostomia may be permanent or only temporary.
The causes for xerostomia are many and diverse. One of the major causes for this condition is medication for certain medical conditions including diuretics, antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories among many others. Other major causes include cancerous tumors, salivary gland diseases, hormonal imbalance, autoimmune, diabetes, and mouth breathing. Hormonal change and increased dehydration that accompany breastfeeding and pregnancy may also cause xerostomia.
There exists several causative and risk factors for xerostomia. Eating disorders like anorexia have been quoted as one of the risk factors. Other causative factors are dehydration, depression, and high levels of stress. The disease reveals itself through several signs and symptoms that can be noticed easily. The signs include dryness of the eyes, difficulty in eating, speaking, swallowing, foul breath, persistence in cough, and dizziness.
There are several other conditions associated with xerostomia. For instance, fungal and yeast infections within the oral cavity are common. Often, fungal infection is indicative of other more serious underlying conditions such as HIV, diabetes, and Addisons disease. Additional effects comprise of burning throat and tongue, inflamed soft tissues, periodontitis, ulcers, and sores. Multiple cavities are also likely to develop following the absence of acid neutralization and accumulation of particles of food.
Temporary causes like dehydration and hormonal imbalance may see the condition reverse when they wear out. However, the condition may become permanent if the cause is permanent. Treatment involves administration of substance that substitute or stimulate saliva production. Preventing yeast infection and caries is also an option for treatment.
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