For the millions of people who suffer from dry mouth, the lack of saliva is more than just a nuisance. Not only does it reduce the person's ability to enjoy the taste of his or her favorite foods, but it can also lead to advanced tooth decay as a result of the decreased volume of healthy bacteria in the mouth. In addition, it can impair the ability to swallow and even make digestion more difficult. Those who suffer from the condition need to understand its causes, as well as how best to treat it.
How it occurs
This condition, known in medical circles as xerostomia, can be caused by a number of factors. It is one of the common side effects of many medications, and can result from various forms of radiation therapy. It also commonly occurs in people who use tobacco, as well as those who snore excessively. The condition is regularly seen in older people, primarily due to the many different types of medications upon which they often rely.
The results of this condition go far beyond simple dryness or even damage to teeth. When there is a lack of saliva in the mouth the person can suffer from dry and parched lips, sore throats, bad breath, and even fungal infections. These symptoms can lead to even more damaging conditions if they are not properly treated.
Medical treatments
Often times, doctors who are treating patients suffering from xerostomia will first attempt to adjust or alter medications to try to avoid the side effect. When that doesn't produce results, there are certain medications that can be prescribed to increase the volume of saliva that the body produces.
Home remedy tips
For most people with this condition, however, there are a number of home remedies that have proven successful in alleviating the problem. Sugar-free gum and candies are often used because they stimulate the production of saliva. Other people achieve results from sucking on ice cubes to ensure that the mouth is always wet. Ginger and a number of other spices are also used by many people as a way to increase saliva.
Lifestyle changes may also be necessary to avoid the condition altogether. These can include the use of a humidifier in the bedroom when sleeping, reductions in the amount of caffeine that is consumed, and efforts to decrease or eliminate the use of tobacco products.
Preserving the teeth
During any attempt to treat this condition it is important for patients to focus even more intently on maintaining the health of their teeth. These efforts should include the use of a good fluoride toothpaste, as well as non-alcoholic mouthwashes. In some cases, dentists will need to fit patients with fluoride coverings to ensure that teeth are protected during critical night time hours.
In almost every instance where patients suffer from this ailment, there is either a way to eliminate the problem or a treatment that can manage it. The key is for patients who find themselves suffering from the symptoms of dry mouth to seek medical attention promptly so that any permanent damage to the teeth and throat can be avoided.
Author Resource:-
Biotene provides a range of oral hygiene products to help relieve the symptoms of the common issue of Xerostomia. If you have sorenss and/or redness in the mouth, trouble speaking or other symptom speak to your healthcare professional to learn more.
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