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Oral Health
Dry Mouth
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When a person does not have enough saliva to keep the mouth wet, he or she has a condition called dry mouth. Clinically called xerostomia, dry mouth can cause difficulties in speaking, swallowing, chewing and tasting food. The condition can make dentures less stable in the mouth. A chronic dry mouth can lead to too decay and oral infections, and may be a symptom of certain diseases, conditions and medications.
If you suffer from dry mouth, you may notice one or several of the following symptoms:
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● A dry, sticky or burning feeling in the mouth
● Cracked lips
● A dry tongue or dry feeling in the throat
● Difficulty speaking, tasting, chewing or swallowing
● Sores in or around the mouth
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Saliva moistens the skin inside the mouth to make chewing and speaking easier. It also helps us enjoy foods by aiding in the tasting process.
Causes of dry mouth:
● Diseases, including Sjogren's Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and Parkinson's disease
● More than 400 prescription and over-the-counter medications have a side effect of dry mouth.
● Radiation therapy, which may result in permanent damage to the salivary glands
● Chemotherapy may change the flow and composition of saliva.
● Stress, anxiety, depression or nutritional deficiencies
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