Xerostomia is the medical term for dry mouth. Many patients experience dry mouth at some point and while it usually goes away on its own, some have chronic dry mouth which can cause a number of oral health issues. Our saliva not only works to keep our mouth moist, it begins the digestion process and helps clear away food particles and bacteria.
What causes xerostomia?
Dry mouth has a lot of causal factors and the treatment method that your dentist chooses will depend on the reason you have dry mouth in the first place. They may have you visit your general practitioner if they suspect you may have an underlying medical issue. Let’s take a closer look at some of the different causes of xerostomia.
Medication
Some medications have a side effect of dry mouth. These may include medicines for anxiety and depression, high blood pressure, antihistamines and decongestants, and some pain medications and muscle relaxers. Patients going through cancer treatments often have a difficult time with dry mouth as well.
Medical Conditions
Dry mouth can result from certain health conditions like stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, as well as autoimmune diseases like HIV/AIDS and Sjögrens Syndrome. Patients with nerve damage to the head or neck may also experience dry mouth.
Lifestyle and Habits
It goes without saying that patients who breathe through their mouths or snore while sleeping can experience dry mouth; additionally, patients who use tobacco products, alcohol, or illicit drugs may experience severe dry mouth which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
Aging
As with other oral issues, many other patients experience dry mouth as they age. This can be a result of certain changes and how the body processes medicine, or as a result of poor nutrition and long-term health problems.
What are the symptoms of xerostomia?
Saliva plays a part in the first steps of food digestion. As we chew, our saliva helps to begin the process by breaking down what we eat before we even swallow. Saliva also helps prevent tooth decay and other oral issues by clearing food particles and bacteria in the mouth.
Patient who do not produce enough saliva may notice some of the following symptoms of dry mouth:
- A feeling of dryness or stickiness in their mouth
- Have a hard time chewing, swallowing, and speaking
- Notice a change in their sense of taste
- Thick or stringy saliva
- Chronic bad breath
- Dry or sore throat and hoarseness
- Difficulty wearing dental prosthesis
If you notice any new symptoms of dry mouth, they may resolve on their own but if they last longer than a week, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Dry mouth can cause a whole host of dental issues and lead to further health problems down the road.