Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth can be a harmless phenomenon that occurs, for example, due to excessive consumption of salty foods, and a sign of a serious illness.
Dry oral cavity is a consequence of a decrease or cessation of salivary gland activity.
It affects the quality of life. A small amount or absence of saliva in the mouth changes the taste, causes a feeling of itching or burning of the mucous membrane, constant thirst, sore throat and drying out of the lips. At the same time, the risk of developing diseases of the teeth and oral cavity increases.
Permanent companions of chronic dry mouth are often caries, candidiasis and gum disease.
Causes of Dry Mouth
Taking medications, one of the side effects of which is dry mouth.
The abuse of salty foods.
Alcohol poisoning.
Inadequate use of water, especially in hot weather.
Breathing through the mouth.
Stuffy nose.
Dehydration
Long stay in a room with dry air. Often a problem can be encountered when operating an air conditioner or heating devices.
Climax
Smoking.
Strong excitement or shock.
Old age. Over time, the salivary glands may wear out and secrete insufficient saliva.
Even dry mouth can cause some diseases. For example, dryness, accompanied by a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, indicates problems with the gastrointestinal tract. This may be a symptom of pancreatitis, gallstones, cholecystitis, or duodenitis. Dryness of the oral mucosa in combination with dizziness can indicate hypotension.
Still can cause the phenomenon:
diabetes. In addition to frequent dryness, with this disease there is a constant feeling of thirst;
infectious diseases. With a cold, sore throat, flu, dryness occurs due to increased body temperature and increased sweating;
diseases or injuries of the salivary glands;
lack of vitamin A in the body;
Iron-deficiency anemia;
nerve damage in the neck or head;
stress, depression;
systemic diseases;
oncological diseases.
Ways to get rid of dryness
If dry mouth often bothers you and is accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms, you should consult a specialist. You may need to consult a physician, dentist, endocrinologist, rheumatologist or gastroenterologist.
If dry mouth is rare and is single in nature, you need to pay attention to the drinking regimen.
The amount of fluid consumed per day should be from 2 liters or more. You should take care of the humidity in the room. Humidifiers will help maintain its normal level.
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