Dry mouth, clinically known as Xerostomia, is caused by a decrease in saliva production and is a common condition suffered by many from time to time. Sometimes however, it can be prolonged which can severely affect the sufferer\u2019s quality of life. It has been estimated that as much as 20% of the adult population may be suffering the effects of dry mouth.<\/p>\n
Temporary dry mouth can be because of anxiety, stress, vitamin deficiency or smoking. Prolonged dry mouth usually leads to a marked deterioration in oral health, often resulting in the loss of teeth and affecting the general well-being of the person.<\/p>\n
The most common cause however, is the 500 commonly used drugs where dry mouth is a side effect. The causes of long term or irreversible dry mouth can include radiotherapy, head & neck surgery, Diabetes, Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis to name but a few.<\/p>\n
Apart from its more obvious role of lubrication and cleansing, saliva is the body\u2019s oral protection mechanism against the introduction of infection into the body via the mouth as well as playing a fundamental role in protecting the teeth and oral tissues from disease. Where there is a reduced saliva flow, the lack of salivary protection can lead to severe oral symptoms causing considerable distress and discomfort to the sufferer.<\/p>\n
Oral examination may reveal a split or cracked tongue, swollen gums, gingivitis, increased dental plaque, dental caries, oral thrush or ulceration.\u00a0 Any or all of these problems can arise as a direct result of a lack of saliva – although you may not be aware of the cause.<\/p>\n
Typically, dry mouth sufferers complain of symptoms such as a \u2018burning\u2019 mouth, abnormal taste sensations, and bad breath, difficulty in speaking and eating and inability to retain dentures.<\/p>\n
Treatments for Dry Mouth<\/p>\n
Dry mouth is caused by a decrease in saliva production and is a common condition suffered by many from time to time. Sometimes however, it can be prolonged which can severely affect the sufferer\u2019s quality of life. It has been estimated that as much as 20% of the adult population may be suffering the effects of dry mouth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-154","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-dental_information"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t