Dry mouth
Dry mouth syndrome and solutions.
It is estimated that 1 in 10 adults have xerostomia or dry mouth syndrome, a complex disorder characterized by decreased saliva production, resulting in a permanently dry mouth sensation and sometimes burning.
This reduction in saliva has significant consequences, as it is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth. When the normal flow is reduced, problems can appear in speaking, chewing, and swallowing food; even the chances of developing periodontal diseases, cavities, and halitosis increase, since the mouth becomes more vulnerable to bacteria.
What causes it?
Among the most frequent causes are the following:
- the consumption of alcohol, which produces dryness of the oral mucous membranes
- being a smoker
- suffer from diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's, and arthritis
- have anxiety, depression, or anorexia nervosa.
- some common drugs, such as certain antihistamines, antidepressants, or antihypertensives; in addition, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are also frequently associated with the appearance of this disorder.
How to fight it?
The treatment against xerostomia includes several measures the dentist indicates according to the patient's diagnosis. Some standard guidelines are:
- hydration, drinking between 2 and 3 liters of liquids per day without added sugars (water or infusions)
- avoid drinks containing caffeine
- suppressing the consumption of alcohol and tobacco
- maintain rigorous oral hygiene
- chewing gum without cariogenic sugars or sucking tablets of similar composition
- use alcohol-free mouthwashes to fight bacteria and stimulate salivation.
In any case, at the first sign of dry mouth, it is essential to go to the dentist to treat early the disorders associated with this disorder, such as caries, candidiasis, ulcers, gingivitis, etc., and thus improve the patient's degree of comfort. Find your dental office near you here.
