Is your mouth a desert?

9. February 2008, 9:12 UhrOral CareAboutCures

What is dry mouth?

Dry mouth (also known as xerostomia) is a condition where not enough saliva is produced and the mouth becomes very dry.

We need saliva to prevent infection by warding off bacteria and fungi in the mouth. Saliva is also important because not only does it help us chew and swallow food, but it also protects teeth from decay.

Common symptoms of dry mouth

• A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
• Cracked lips
• Sores or split skin at the corners of your mouth
• Frequent thirst
• Problems chewing, speaking, or swallowing
• A change in sense of taste
• Sore throat
• Hoarseness
• Increased plaque, tooth decay and gum disease
• Bad breath (halitosis)

Causes of dry mouth

Medications. Prescription drugs and even over-the-counter medications can contribute to dry mouth. Consult the list side effects for your medicine to find out if dry mouth is listed. Talk to your doctor or dentist for more information.

Certain diseases affect the salivary glands and can cause dry mouth—HIV/AIDS, diabetes, stroke and depression.

Nerve damage as a result of injury to the head and neck can result in dry mouth.

Prevention

Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of different issues. If your dry mouth is caused by your medication, talk to your physician about changing or adjusting your medicine. Your dentist or doctor may also suggest an artificial saliva to keep your mouth wet.

Home Remedies and Tips

• Brush your teeth often (2-3 times a day) with a soft-bristle toothbrush and floss regularly.
• Brush your teeth with toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Avoid sugar. Try sugarless drinks, gum and candy to stimulate saliva flow while decreasing your risk of tooth decay.
• Visit your dentist twice a year for your routine evaluations.
• Sip water frequently. Avoid caffeinated drinks which can dry out your mouth.
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol because these habits can contribute to dry mouth.
• Spicy or salty meals can cause pain and discomfort.
• Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your room at night.
• The parsley sprig that you find on your plate at a restaurant naturally sweetens your breath and provides you with vitamins A and C, calcium and iron.