[ad_1]
What is it about ?
Dry mouth means not enough saliva is produced to keep your mouth moist enough. The consequences can be embarrassing: dry mouth feels uncomfortable and sometimes makes it difficult to speak, eat and swallow.
Possible causes
- drugs (especially if there are several, taken simultaneously): products that lower blood pressure, diuretics, cancer drugs, antidepressants, etc. ;
- rheumatic conditions (eg, Sjörgen syndrome);
- affections of the salivary glands;
- radiation therapy to the head and cervical region;
- mouth breathing (eg, from a stuffy nose);
- hormonal changes (eg, menopause);
- young.
How to recognize it?
If you have one or more of these symptoms, they may be caused by a dry mouth:
- You have trouble swallowing dry foods like cookies or bread without having to drink at the same time.
- You have the feeling that your mouth is drying up when you speak.
- At night you have to drink because you have a dry mouth.
- You have difficulty speaking or swallowing.
- You have a funny taste (like metal) in your mouth.
- Your teeth appear rough and sharp.
- Your breathing is smelly.
- Your tongue is sore.
- You have a lot of tooth decay.
- Your gums are irritated, painful, or inflamed.
- You are having trouble removing your dentures.
How is the diagnosis made?
Discussion
The doctor will ask you questions about the nature and onset of your symptoms. He will monitor the medicines you are taking and try to look for any underlying conditions.
Exam
A technical examination can be performed by a dentist or an oral hygiene specialist: in this case, it will measure the amount of saliva you produce in 5 minutes. You will need to chew a special product for 5 minutes, while measuring the amount of saliva produced. Normally, in this time interval, this volume exceeds 5 ml.
What can you do ?
If you suffer from dry mouth, it is recommended to consult your general practitioner. It will check if an underlying cause is causing the problem.
The following aspects help reduce symptoms:
Oral hygiene
Maintain good oral hygiene.
- If necessary, seek expert advice from a dentist or oral hygiene specialist to keep your teeth or dentures clean.
- Brush your teeth and interdental spaces daily. Use a good fluoride toothpaste and dental floss or interdental brushes.
- Do not leave your dentures in your mouth overnight, but place them in a dry, ventilated container, especially if you have an infection or small ulcers under the denture.
- Have your teeth checked regularly (every 3 to 6 months) by a dentist.
Meal
- Chew food long enough at each meal.
- End each meal with vegetables, nuts or cheese to cancel the effect of acids secreted by bacteria. It is these acids that cause tooth decay.
- After each meal, drink water or rinse your mouth well.
- Avoid sugary snacks and fruit or acidic drinks between meals.
- Plain water is safe for your teeth.
Chewing gum, lozenges and lozenges to suck
Chewing xylitol gum is ideal for producing more saliva between or after meals or snacks. Xylitol also exists in the form of tablets (to suck).
Saliva substitutes
- Saliva substitutes and moisturizing gels relieve symptoms of dry mouth for longer than a refreshing drink, and are most useful at night. Commercial saliva substitutes are available over the counter in pharmacies. You can consume it regularly if necessary.
- You can also moisten a dry mouth with olive oil or a suitable skin oil.
What can your doctor do?
Few medicines can counteract a dry mouth.
- If you have a stuffy nose, you can use nose drops or nasal spray.
- Sometimes the doctor will prescribe medication (pilocarpine) which stimulates the production of saliva. But this product is associated with many side effects and often reacts with other drugs. Reason why it is not suitable for everyone.
Want to know more?
- Mouth and teeth (images) – Christian Mutuality
- Tips for unparalleled oral hygiene – Christian Mutuality
- Visiting your dentist – Christian Mutuality
Source
[ad_2]