What is xerostomia (dry mouth) ?
Xerostomia is related to the reduction and the change in the composition of saliva that wets our mouth and protects from wounds and infections.
Xerostomia, particularly in older persons, is usually a side effect of certain medications, such as antihistamines, antihypertensives, antidepressants, antipsychotics, or pain killers.
It may also be associated with a general disease such as Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, depression, anxiety or to dehydration due to fever, vomiting, sweating, mouth breathing or smoking.
Another cause is head and neck radiotherapy for cancer.
If you feel your mouth dry, consult your dentist.
It may also be associated with a general disease such as Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, depression, anxiety or to dehydration due to fever, vomiting, sweating, mouth breathing or smoking.
Another cause is head and neck radiotherapy for cancer.
If you feel your mouth dry, consult your dentist.
Saliva is a natural protective mechanism that helps shaping and swallowing food and protects from injuries and infections.
Long-term reduction of saliva causes many problems, such as increased retention of food remnants in the mouth and increased dental plaque, tooth decay, gum disease, mouth infections, bad breath, taste alterations, difficulties in speech, chewing and swallowing and a burning sensation in the mouth.
Furthermore, sleep may be disturbed as the person wakes up frequently at night because of thirst.
Denture wearers may suffer from reduced retention of dentures and more injuries.
Long-term reduction of saliva causes many problems, such as increased retention of food remnants in the mouth and increased dental plaque, tooth decay, gum disease, mouth infections, bad breath, taste alterations, difficulties in speech, chewing and swallowing and a burning sensation in the mouth.
Furthermore, sleep may be disturbed as the person wakes up frequently at night because of thirst.
Denture wearers may suffer from reduced retention of dentures and more injuries.
If you feel your mouth dry for a long time consult your dentist. Specific medications, saliva substitutes and personalized prevention programs are available.
Useful tips for dealing with the problems of xerostomia:
- Carry out thorough daily hygiene for your teeth and dentures.
If you have your own teeth use fluoride toothpaste (1450-5000 ppm F).
Topical application of fluoride varnish 1-4 times / year may be recommended by the dentist. - If you wear dentures consult your dentist. You may need to repair them to reduce the risk of gum injury.
- Chew sugarless gums with xylitol, which increase saliva in the mouth and protect against caries.
If you cannot chew gum (people with dentures or with few teeth) use hard sugarless candies, preferably with xylitol. - Use saliva substitutes. They can help you, especially if you use them before going to bed.
- Use saliva substitutes if you wear dentures, because they reduce problems from injuries and reduced retention.
- Moisten your mouth with frequent water intake.
- Help swallowing hard food with small sips of water.
- Avoid beverages containing acids.
- Avoid sugar in foods and beverages that increase the risk of dental caries.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, spicy or salty foods.
- Avoid smoking.
- Use special lipstick (eg cocoa butter) to protect your lips from dryness.
- Use air humidifiers especially at night.