Dry Mouth Syndrome

Dry mouth syndrome is medically called as Xerostomia. This condition occurs as a result of decreased production of saliva. In the primary stages, dry mouth syndrome may not disturb the individuals much. When it becomes extremely severe, it causes difficulty in speaking and sometimes paves way for malnutrition and dry mouth salivary gland dysfunction. Women are more likely to get dry mouth syndrome when compared to that of men and affects elderly people than children. People may wonder if there is anything particular with the saliva. Saliva has many benefits that most of the people may not know. It can be listed as:

  • Saliva protects the mouth from sores and ulcers.
  • Protects the oral tissue of the mouth.
  • Helps in digesting food and process of mineralisation of the teeth.
  • Acts as a solvent to stimulate the salivary glands.

In most cases, the condition is caused due to certain medications. Side effects of medications like blood pressure antihistamines, diuretics, anti-inflammatory and non-steroidal drugs etc. may cause dry mouth syndrome. It can also be caused due to other factors such as:

  • Radiation
  • Salivary gland diseases
  • Diabetes
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Sjogren’s syndrome
  • systemic lupus erthematosus and
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

          It can even cause serious issues like blocking the salivary glands. Dry mouth syndrome may even develop other conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, dehydration etc.

    The signs and symptoms of dry mouth syndrome may include:

dry-mouth-syndrom-medeguru

  • Dryness of the mouth
  • Trouble in speaking, swallowing and tasting
  • Burning sensation in the mouth
  • Sores
  • Ulcers
  • Inflammation of soft tissues
  • Multiple cavities around the gum line etc.

The treatment plan will be based according to the results after the diagnosing the condition. Low sugar diet and fluoride contained toothpaste will be suggested by the dentist. Antimicrobial treatments are suggested to combat the effects of the condition. You will be advised to avoid mouthwashes that contain alcoholic element in it.

      Patients who have sweet tooth are at more risk of developing cavities. Drinking a lot of water can help you out to prevent this to a certain extent. To stimulate the salivary flow, chewing gum can be consumed. In certain cases, the dentist may even prescribe certain medications like Pilocarpine and Cevimeline to increase the saliva. Asthma and glaucoma patients will not be allowed to take these drugs. Lubricants like glycerine will help to ease the discomfort while eating and speaking. It is not meant to cure Dry Mouth Syndrome, but it will help in reducing the discomfort caused by it.

     People infected with Dry Mouth Syndrome may also get infected with anti-fungal infections such as Candidiaisis. In such cases, the dentist will prescribe topical treatments for them. People who use dentures will be suggested to soak the dentures daily in chlrhexidine or 1% bleaches in order to prevent fungal infections. Dry Mouth Syndrome cannot be prevented using any measures. The side effects of DMS can be prevented and minimized using various methods. Studies say that, there is no such specific method to uproot Dry Mouth Syndrome.

Some home remedies for preventing dry mouth syndrome is that,

  • Drink water during repast to aid chewing and swallowing.
  • Breathe through your nose.
  • Moisturize your lips
  • Avoid alcohol, tobacco, sugary or acid foods and candies.

Dental Treatments from our Doctors and Hospital

Dry Mouth Syndrome Treatment in KochiDry Mouth Syndrome Treatment in MaduraiDry Mouth Syndrome Treatment in ChennaiDry Mouth Syndrome Treatment in New DelhiDry Mouth Syndrome Treatment in BangaloreDry Mouth Syndrome Treatment in HyderabadDry Mouth Syndrome Treatment in SecunderabadDry Mouth Syndrome Treatment in MumbaiDry Mouth Syndrome Treatment in Greater NoidaDry Mouth Syndrome Treatment in WhitefieldDry Mouth Syndrome Treatment in Ahmedabad