Xerostomia (Dry mouth)
Dry mouth can cause mild oral discomfort or significant oral disease negatively impacting your dietary intake, health and quality of life.
Saliva has very important functions in the mouth and not enough can result in a dry mouth leading to other problems, like: mouth sores, tooth decay, difficulty swallowing/ speaking to name but a few. Dry mouth is caused when salivary glands in the mouth don’t make enough saliva. This may happen because of the use certain medicines, cancer therapy, aging, certain systemic conditions (Sjogren’s disease or HIV/ AIDS), nerve damage due to injury, snoring/ mouth breathing, alcohol and tobacco use or drug use (methamphetamine or marijuana).
Treatment of dry mouth needs to be individualized and the underlying cause should be the target instead of just symptomatic relief. The main goal is to increase salivary flow. For instance, if we suspect your chronic medication is causing dry mouth your doctor can consider adjusting the dosage or changing to another medication.
Other tips:
- Chew sugar free gum
- Avoid antihistamines if possible, smoking & alcohol
- Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water
- Keep lip balm handy
- Use dry mouth toothpaste, rinses, sprays or gels (Biotene, Xersotom)
- Take medication that cause dry mouth in the morning, instead of at night (cavities and other dental issues are more likely to result due to a dry mouth at night)
Maintain good oral hygiene, visit your hygienist for cleanings and dentist for check-up’s more regularly.
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