Dry Mouth
Dry mouth (xerostomia)
is a condition that occurs when salivary glands in the mouth donât work
properly. It causes a parched feeling in the mouth. Other symptoms include a
rough tongue, mouth sores, and cracked lips.
Saliva is a necessary part of the digestion process. Itâs
needed to moisten and break down food and works as a major defense mechanism to
help your body maintain good dental health. Saliva protects the mouth against
gum disease and tooth decay. While not a serious medical condition, dry
mouth can be a sign of a larger medical problem.
Causes of Dry Mouth
Many things
can cause dry mouth. If you smoke, you have a greater chance of having dry
mouth. Some diseases such as diabetes can also lower the amount of saliva. Medications
can also affect the amount of saliva you have. Some of the other causes of dry
mouth include:
stress
appetite suppressants
autoimmune disorders
like rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren's syndrome
botulism
chemotherapy
radiation therapy of the
head and neck
tranquillizers
marijuana
Treatments for Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is
usually a temporary and treatable condition. Sometimes, the treatment depends
upon the cause of dry mouth. In most cases, it can be treated by doing one or
more of the following:
sipping water often
sucking on ice cubes or
sugarless candy
chewing sugarless gum
avoiding alcohol,
caffeine, and tobacco
avoiding salty or spicy
foods
limiting sugar intake
using a humidifier in
your bedroom overnight
taking over-the-counter
saliva substitutes
Source: http://www.healthline.com
