Everyone has a dry mouth once in a while--if they are nervous,
upset or under stress. But if you have a dry mouth all or most of
the time, it can be uncomfortable and can lead to serious health
problems. Dry mouth can cause difficulties in tasting, chewing,
swallowing, and speaking can increase your chance of developing
dental decay and infections in the mouth. Dry mouth can be a sign
of certain diseases and conditions or can be caused by certain
medications or medical treatments. Dry mouth is not a normal part
of aging. So if you think you have dry mouth, see your dentist or
physician--there are things you can do to get relief.
Dry mouth is the condition of not having enough saliva, or spit,
to keep your mouth wet. Symptoms include: a sticky, dry feeling in
the mouth; trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting, or speaking; a
burning feeling in the mouth, a dry feeling in the throat, cracked
lips; a dry, tough tongue; mouth sores, or an infection in the
mouth.
Saliva does more than keep the mouth wet. It helps digest food.
It protects teeth from decay. It prevents infection by controlling
bacteria and fungi in the mouth. It makes it possible for you to
chew and swallow. Without enough saliva you can develop tooth decay
or other infections in the mouth. You also might not get the
nutrients you need if you cannot chew and swallow certain
foods.
People get dry mouth when the glands in the mouth that make
saliva are not working properly. Because of this, there might not
be enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. There are several reasons
why these glands (called salivary glands) might not work right.
- Side effects of some medicines
More than 400 medicines can cause the salivary glands to make less
saliva. Medicines for high blood pressure and depression often
cause dry mouth.
- Disease
Some diseases affect the salivary glands. Sjögren's Syndrome,
HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease can all cause dry
mouth.
- Radiation therapy
The salivary glands can be damaged if they are exposed to
radiation during cancer treatment.
- Chemotherapy
Drugs used to treat cancer can make saliva thicker, causing the
mouth to feel dry. Nerve damage. Injury to the head or neck can
damage the nerves that tell salivary glands to make saliva.
Dry mouth treatment will depend on what is causing the problem.
If you think you have dry mouth, see your dentist or physician. He
or she can try to determine what is causing your dry mouth. If your
dry mouth is caused by medicine, your physician might change your
medicine or adjust the dosage. If your salivary glands are not
working right but can still produce some saliva, your physician or
dentist might give you a medicine (called pilocarpine) that helps
the glands work better. Your physician or dentist might suggest
that you use artificial saliva to keep your mouth wet.
- Sip water or sugarless drinks often.
- Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some
sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.
- Sip water or a sugarless drink during meals. This will make
chewing and swallowing easier. It may also improve the taste of
food.
- Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate
saliva flow. Citrus, cinnamon or mint-flavored candies are good
choices.
- Don't use tobacco or alcohol. They dry out the mouth. Be aware
that spicy or salty foods may cause pain in a dry mouth. Use a
humidifier at night.
Remember, if you have dry mouth, you need to be extra careful to
keep your teeth healthy. Make sure you:
- Gently brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- Floss your teeth every day.
- Use toothpaste with fluoride in it. Most toothpastes sold at
grocery and drug stores have fluoride in them.
- Avoid sticky, sugary foods. If you do eat them, brush
immediately afterwards.
-
Visit your dentist for a check-up at least twice a year. Your
dentist might give you a special fluoride solution that you can
rinse with to help keep your teeth healthy.
