People with dry mouth have problems with gum tissues that are irritated and sensitive, dental decay activity is rampant, dentures won't stay in place, and bad breath is present. People complain of their dry mouth, which is uncomfortable and can limit speech. This blog article can provide help for this oral dilemma.
Dry mouth is a symptom of an underlying problem and not a disease in itself. Most dentists consider dry mouth an annoyance, although it can lead to more severe problems and reduce the quality of life for those affected. Diagnosis is not difficult as most people seek help.
First, you have to understand the Protective Role of Saliva:
Components in saliva are antibacterial (help prevent decay), antiviral,
antifungal
- Saliva neutralizes acids produced by plaque
- It contains phosphorus and calcium to aid in natural remineralization
- It moistens food to enable comfortable swallowing
- Saliva boosts sensations in mouth to aid in detecting food texture and taste
Second, see if you have any of the Symptoms of Dry Mouth:
- Saliva feels thick and sticky
- High rate of tooth decay, especially gum-line lesions
- Rough, dry tongue; feels like it "sticks to the palate"
- Problem chewing and swallowing, particularly dry foods
- Reduced ability to taste foods
- Bad breath
- Mouth ulcers; soft tissue more likely to abrade
- Dry lips
- More susceptible to infections, especially thrush
- Excessive buildup of food and plaque on teeth
- Burning sensations in mouth
- Inability to obtain suction for retention of dentures
- Gum tissue is more susceptible to irritation by dentures
It is estimated that 10% of genera! population and 25% of those over 65 years old have dry mouth symptoms which include:
- Surfaces of oral mucosa(lining of lips, cheeks, tongue and palate appear dry and rough
- Increased rate of gum-line decay
Try the Saliva Test: Roll out your lower lip and dry it with towel or tissue. In normal individuals, lip will re-moisten in less than 30 seconds
Third, here are the numerous causes of Dry Mouth:
1. Medications (main cause for Dry Mouth Syndrome (DMS) in older population). Medications that are most likely to cause DMS are those for:
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Bronchodilators
- Antihistamines and decongestants
- Parkinson's Disease
2. Diseases:
- Sjogren's syndrome
- HIV/Aids
- Alzheimer's
- Diabetes
- Anemia
- Cystic fibrosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Mumps
3. Chemotherapy
4. Radiation to head and neck Dehydration
5. Life Style:
- Smoking
- Chewing tobacco
- Mouth breathing
- Excessive alcohol use
The treatments for Dry Mouth Syndrome are varied and numerous. Below is a list of things that can help understand and alleviate DMS symptoms and causes:
Behavioral and Other Therapies
- Suck on ice during the day (do not chew).
- Drink copious water during the day.
- Discontinue use of alcohol (including mouthwashes), caffeine, and soda.
- Humidify sleeping area with cool mist vaporizer.
- Lubricate lips (lanolin products).
- Consult with your physician to see if some medications can be altered.
- If due to salivary gland duct blockage, surgery to remove blockage.
- Carefully check for underlying diseases, e.g., Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes, lupus.
Over-the-Counter Therapies are as well numerous and varied. Not all will work for each individual – you may have to try several.
Examples dry mouth products that contain lubricating agents:
- Biotene Products
- MouthKote by Parnell
- OraCoat XyliMelts
- ACT Dry Mouth Lozenges
- Oasis Mouthwash
- GC Dry Mouth Gel
- Spry Mints by Xlear
- Fluoride Supplements
- Non-alcohol mouthwash (Biotene, Oasis, Crest Pro-Health, etc.)
Prescription Medications
For severe xerostomia(dry mouth) caused by radiation treatments or Sjogren's syndrome. NOTE: you have to beware of side effects, precautions, and contra-indications (diarrhea, incontinence, cardiac sensitivity, etc.; do not take with uncontrolled asthma, acute iritis, or narrow angle glaucoma, etc.).
• Pilocarpine (Salogen) 5mg tablets:
1 tablet taken 5-6 times per day
• Cevimeline HCl (Euoxac) 30mg capsules:
1 capsule taken 3 times per day
Fluoride Therapy will help prevent dental decay, especially those at the gum-line. The two below are prescription fluorides:
- PreviDent 5000 fluoride toothpaste
- 5000 ppm fluoride gel/foam in tray
Conclusions:
Xerostomia can be a minor nuisance or can deteriorate the quality of life by making tasting, eating, and swallowing food difficult. It can also lead to rampant decay, periodontal disease, and abrasions of the oral mucosa. While not always possible, it is the dentist’s responsibility to attempt to find the causes of xerostomia and alleviate the problem. This often requires consulting the patient's physician to see if certain medications can be altered or eliminated. Some simple therapies {such as sucking on ice chips or spraying water with an atomizer} and some over-the-counter items (such as the Biotene products) can help alleviate dry mouth. Prescription medications to treat dry mouth should be reserved for only the most difficult and damaging cases.
