Xerostomia, or as it is better known, dry mouth, is thought to affect approximately 20% of all adults, in varying degrees. In some cases, it may be chronic and in others, occasional. The condition arises when the salivary glands in the mouth are not able to produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. For many people, xerostomia is just a passing annoyance and cause of minor discomfort. For others, it can be a condition that affects teeth and gum health or even overall health. Xerostomia can also affect the enjoyment of food and the amount consumed, both of which can lead to various health issues, some of them major.
The Causes
Among the most common causes of xerostomia are:
- Medications: Various medicines, available with or without prescription, can cause dryness of the mouth. The most common among these are those taken for high blood pressure, depression and anxiety; various decongestants, antihistamines, pain relievers and muscle relaxants too can result in the condition.
- Aging: The body undergoes many metabolic changes as it ages and these can cause varying degrees of dryness of the mouth.
- Nerve Damage: Injuries or surgeries may result in nerve damage that could result in xerostomia.
- Various Ailments: These include suffering a stroke, having diabetes, yeast infections, Alzheimer’s disease and autoimmune diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
- Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy may cause changes in the nature of the saliva and the amount produced. The effect is typically for a limited time and normal saliva production usually resumes once the treatment is over. Radiation treatment may also have similar side-effects, but in this case, the changes could be permanent depending on the strength of the radiation given and the duration of the treatment.
- Mouth Breathing and Snoring: The excessive amount of air passing through the mouth can result in dryness.
- Smoking: Smoking and other forms of tobacco consumption can cause xerostomia.
- Recreational Drug Use: The use of these drugs can affect the salivary glands and reduce the amount of saliva produced.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Eating too many sweets.
Impact of Xerostomia on Health
Dryness of the mouth can result in:
- Teeth and gum conditions such as cavities, plaque development and gum disease.
- Oral yeast infection (thrush).
- Mouth sores.
- Sores and/or cracked skin at the edges of the mouth, and cracked lips.
- Difficulty in chewing and swallowing food.
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Diagnosis
Diagnosis of xerostomia begins with an examination of the mouth to ascertain the extent of the problem and to check if it has resulted in any tooth or gum problems. Your medical history will be reviewed and the impact of any medications you may be taking will be examined. At times, a blood test and/or scans of the salivary glands may be ordered to check the condition of the glands. Tests to determine the amount of saliva produced may also be ordered. In a few cases, cells taken from the salivary glands may be harvested and sent for laboratory examination. This will help identify the presence of Sjogren’s syndrome or other autoimmune conditions.
Treatment
In many cases, home remedies can treat and control the condition. These include:
- Ensuring adequate water intake at regular intervals throughout the day.
- Drinking water during meals to provide additional moisturization to the mouth.
- Chewing sugar-free gum or candies to increase saliva production.
- Using saliva substitute mouth gels and sprays.
- Using a room moisturizer.
- Focusing on breathing through the nose and not the mouth.
- Getting treated for snoring, if that is contributing to the condition.
- Using lip moisturizers.
- Avoiding drinks with alcohol or caffeine.
- Stopping all forms of tobacco use.
- Avoiding excessively sugary foods to reduce the possibility of tooth decay.
- Avoiding excessive consumption of spicy foods which may cause mouth irritation.
- Checking if any medication being taken could cause xerostomia, especially over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines.
In more severe cases of xerostomia, the doctor may:
- Change medications being taken for other ailments that could be contributing to xerostomia.
- Prescribe medication to increase mouth lubrication.
- Advise on treatments for underlying medical conditions. (This could require examination and diagnosis by specialists in other fields of medicine.)
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While xerostomia is not a major health issue, it is also one that should not be ignored. Occasional dryness of the mouth while under physical or emotional stress is normal. So too is the dryness felt when water has not been consumed for a long time. Some foods such as salt biscuits can cause an almost immediate feeling of dryness in the mouth. However, if the condition keeps recurring, continues for a long time or is so severe that eating and even talking is at times difficult or painful, then medical help is essential. Because xerostomia can be a symptom of a more serious medical issue, it is best to go to a multispecialty hospital for examination, diagnosis and treatment. This will ensure that the diagnosis is done by the best dentists/doctors using the best medical equipment and technology, and furthermore, the treatments for any associated or underlying causes of xerostomia will all be available in one place. This will make the treatment easier and place less stress on the patient.
Do not ignore dryness of the mouth. See a dentist without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is xerostomia, and how common is it?
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, affects about 20% of adults and occurs when not enough saliva is produced to keep the mouth moist.
2. What causes xerostomia?
Causes include medications, aging, nerve damage, certain medical conditions, cancer treatments, mouth breathing, smoking, and diet.
3. How does xerostomia affect overall health?
It can lead to cavities, gum disease, mouth sores, cracked lips, and difficulty eating.
4. How is xerostomia diagnosed?
Through a dental exam, review of medical history, and sometimes blood tests or scans.
5. What are the treatment options for xerostomia?
Treatment includes hydration, saliva substitutes, medication changes, and treating underlying conditions.