Having issues with one part of the body invariably leads to secondary problems that can spread throughout a number of systems. These effects are related to the concept of homeostasis which accounts for the balance and proper functioning of all the different bodily systems in the maintenance of health. Certain issues like xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, can be the product of another problem and can also lead to its own unique consequence and must be dealt with.
It may sound like nothing more than an inconvenience to deal with a lack of sufficient saliva, but as for most things in the body, saliva serves an important function that goes beyond healing with the mastication of food. This mouth lubrication serves an essential function in the prevention of tooth decay by preventing the growth of bacteria.
When it comes to eating, having lubrication makes chewing easier, as well as increasing the flavors and tastes of food itself. Also, rather than being just a watery substance, there are enzymes found within saliva that aids in digestion and is the first step in the breakdown of food compounds. More often, the cause of this problem is often related to medication and can be improved by adjusting the dosage.
Having xerostomia is not always a zero production situation and indeed, more often than not it is just a general decrease in production. There are a number of different symptoms that accompany this condition beyond mouth dryness and can include spit that is thicker or stringy.
Also, the lips are often affected by a lack of moisture by developing extreme dryness of their own that can lead to split skin or sores in the corners, as well as cracking across most of the lip's real estate. Bad breath and difficulty swallowing are also common side effects. If you wait too long, symptoms can devolve into more serious conditions like fungal infections of an increased amount of plaque that initiates tooth decay.
The list of medications that include dry mouth as a side effect is long, but there are other issues that can cause this condition. Nerve damage as well as issues like depression or anxiety disorders can decrease the amount of spit production. Also, aging, which can include disorders like Alzheimer's or suffering from a stroke can initiate this condition.
Depending on the cause or severity of your condition, a doctor may have to alter your medicine dosages if that is the cause. Additional scans of your actual salivary glands may be in order if your problems are not the result of medicinal side effects. In the most severe cases, physicians will refer you to a dentist.
This is because tooth health is intimately related to overall bodily health and can lead to truly destructive consequences if left unchecked. In cases that need dental intervention your dentist may fit you with fluoride filled coverings that you can wear at night to prevent decay.
Additional home remedies are simple behavioral alterations like sleeping with a humidifier, making sure not to breathe through your mouth, and chewing sugar free gum. This problem, while inconvenient, is easily overcome through medical intervention, but it's important that you consult with your physician to prevent secondary, more unhealthy, side effects.
Author Resource:-
Xerostomia, known as dry mouth, is a common problem primarily affecting Women, elderly people and those using certain prescribed drugs. Biotene provides a product line of oral health products to provide dry mouth relief, hygiene and stimulation.
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