Stay updated, sign up for our free newsletter to receive useful tips
Full NameEmail Id
Proven Techniques For Dealing With Dry Mouth Syndrome Effectively
Dry mouth or xerostomia is a condition in which inadequate saliva
is produced resulting in what is commonly called “cotton mouth.”
The causes of dry mouth can be a result of aging or a specific medication.
For instance there is an established link between the pain killer
lorcet and xerostomia. Hopefully a dry mouth cure will mean simply
changing medication, but all too often the condition cannot be traced
to one cause and must be controlled rather than cured.
What are the Signs and Symptoms?
Beyond the obvious, dry mouth symptoms include thick, stringy saliva
and potential sores or split creases at the corners of the mouth.
Bad breath will be present and you may have difficulty swallowing
or speaking and trouble chewing. The tongue will have a burning sensation
and food will taste “different.” Expect more plaque on
your teeth and cavities.
What Causes Dry Mouth
One of the most straightforward answers to the question “what
causes dry mouth” is simply “age.” As we get older,
we produce less saliva. This condition is complicated by a degeneration
of the thirst receptors in the brain. Your brain doesn’t tell
you you’re thirsty, as a consequence of your age you’re
producing less saliva anyway, and together the two factors results
in dry mouth.
Other medical conditions can be causes of dry mouth as well including
Alzheimer’s disease, endocrine disorders, stroke, anxiety,
depression, and various autoimmune diseases. If dry mouth comes
on slowly, it is most likely a result of aging. If it occurs suddenly,
mention the condition to your doctor.
Stress induced xerostomia is common in younger people and will
usually resolve itself with rest and increased intake of fluids.
The use of tobacco products, cigarettes, cigars, and pipes or chewing
tobacco and snuff aggravate dry mouth and given their link to cancer,
should be avoided any way.
Can Drugs and Medications Cause Dry Mouth?
Most cases of dry mouth syndrome in older people are actually caused
by the medications they take. Drugs for depression and anxiety cause
dry mouth as do antihistamines, blood pressure prescriptions, muscle
relaxants, and medications for urinary incontinence. If you suddenly
begin to experience dry mouth after receiving a new prescription,
ask your pharmacist about the medication you are taking and see if
an alternate medication is available without the side effect of dry
mouth.
Cancer patients on chemotherapy will have a particularly difficult
time with dry mouth. The chemotherapy drugs effect the composition
of saliva and the degree of its production. Radiation treatments
for cancer may actually damage the salivary glands and prevent them
from functioning normally.
Why Is Saliva Important?
Every day the average human produces three pints of saliva, a substance
that lubricates the mouth and aids in speech. It protects the teeth
against decay by helping to wash away food debris, by limiting the
growth of bacteria, and by neutralizing acid. Saliva makes swallowing
easier and the enzymes contained in saliva aid with digestion. When
saliva is no longer present, you suddenly realize what an active role
it plays in your mouth as eating and speaking are suddenly more difficult.
The stronger prescription diet pills including Phentermine and Adipex are widely known for causing dry mouth as a side effect.
Even non-prescription pills like Phentramin-Dcan cause dry mouth because of caffeine content. Doctors recommend to drink at
least 64oz of water daily when taking such diet pills because the effects on the central nervous system cause drhydration.
Dehydration is one of the top causes of a low metabolism and the resulting storage of calories as fat rather than burning them off.
So make sure to drink plenty of water to ensure your health.
