Dry mouth or xerostomia is a condition in which the mouth feels dry due to lack ofnyes saliva production. Dry mouth is usually a side effect of medication, an autoimmune disorder, such as Sjogren's syndrome, or the aging process.
Saliva plays a role in limiting the growth of bacteria, preventing tooth decay, cleaning the mouth of food debris, facilitating the process of swallowing food, and helping the digestion of food. Lack of saliva can cause problems, such as dry mouth and increase the risk of gingivitis, cavities, and fungal infections in the mouth.
In general, dry mouth is common from time to time, for example when stressed or anxious. However, if it occurs continuously, this dry mouth condition can also be a sign of certain conditions that need further treatment.
Causes of Dry Mouth
Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands (saliva) are unable to produce enough saliva. This condition can be caused by:
- Dehydration
- Stress and anxiety
- The habit of breathing through the mouth, for example due to nasal congestion or snoring
- Part of the aging process which further affects the body's ability to absorb drugs, lack of adequate nutrition, or chronic disease
- Side effects from taking medications, such as diuretics, antidepressants, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, or pain relievers
- Smoking habits, chewing tobacco, or consuming alcoholic beverages
- Certain diseases, such as thrush, Sjogren's syndrome, anemia, stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer's disease, mumps, hypertension, or HIV/AIDS
- Injuries or complications of surgery that cause nerve damage in the neck and head
- Chemotherapy or radiotherapy to the head and neck
Dry Mouth Symptoms
Dry mouth is one of the complaints and symptoms that occur due to the salivary glands not producing enough saliva. When experiencing dry mouth a person can find it difficult to swallow, bad breath occurs, and experience disturbances in the sense of taste.
Here are a number of complaints and symptoms of dry mouth due to lack of saliva:
- Bad breath
- Hoarseness
- Often feel thirsty
- Saliva feels thick
- Nasal passages feel dry
- Dry and chapped lips
- Throat dry and sore
- The inside of the mouth feels sticky
- Hot sensation in the mouth, especially on the tongue
- Dry tongue, looks red, and feels rough
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing and speaking
- Disorders of the sense of taste
In addition to the above complaints, dry mouth can also make it difficult for sufferers to install dentures.
When to go to the doctor
Consult a doctor if the above symptoms appear, especially if the symptoms do not subside despite being treated independently, or complications arise due to dry mouth.
A visit to the dentist is necessary if dry mouth has been going on for a long time. This is because dry mouth can increase the risk of other health problems, including cavities.
Dry Mouth Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about the patient's symptoms, medical history, and medications being taken, followed by an examination of the patient's mouth. To determine the cause of dry mouth, the doctor may perform several investigations, such as:
- Blood tests, to detect the presence or absence of infection or other diseases that may underlie dry mouth, including diabetes
- Measurement of the level of saliva production
- Tissue sampling (biopsy) of the salivary glands if dry mouth is suspected due to Sjogren's syndrome
- Salivary gland scan
Dry Mouth Treatment
When experiencing dry mouth, before undergoing treatment from a doctor, try to do treatment at home first. You can drink more water, suck on ice cubes, or chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.
If the self-medication above doesn't work for dry mouth, see a doctor. Treatment for dry mouth that will usually be done by a doctor is:
- Administration of decongestant drugs if dry mouth is caused by nasal congestion
- Dosage reduction or medication replacement if dry mouth is caused by the use of certain medications
- Administration of artificial saliva or mouthwash containing xylitol
- Administration of pilocarpine or cevimeline to stimulate saliva production
- Giving fluoride oil to prevent cavities
Dry Mouth Complications
Dry mouth can cause a number of problems, such as:
- Ulcer
- Dry lips
- Cavities, tartar build-up, and gum problems
- Fungal infection in the mouth
- Nutritional disorders due to difficulty chewing and swallowing
Dry Mouth Prevention
In addition to adequate fluid needs and maintaining oral and dental health, the following ways can also be done to prevent or relieve dry mouth symptoms:
- Reduce the habit of breathing through the mouth.
- Quit smoking.
- Limit consumption of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
- Use a humidifier in the room, especially at night.
- Apply lip balm to treat chapped lips.
- Avoid eating foods that are too sweet, sour, spicy, or salty.
Use toothpaste and mouthwash containing fluoride, and check your teeth to the dentist at least 2 times a year.