Dry Mouth Syndrome

Health Tips

By Lifestyle

Dry mouth syndrome is the condition wherein there is no saliva in the mouth. The technical term for a dry mouth is xerostomia.

Saliva is essential for the pre-digestion of food in the mouth and is a very important lubricant when swallowing.

Symptoms

The following are the symptom of dry mouth: increased thirst, difficulty in chewing and swallowing, taste disturbance, burning tongue or mouth, prosthesis incompatibility,speech disorders, painful mouth sores and numbness. A number of non-oral symptoms manifest itself in the context of a systemic dysfunction or structural damage of the glands.

Complications

Specific diseases of the salivary glands lead to irreparable damage of the glandular tissue. Viral infections such as mumps may develop. Narrowing or obstruction of the ducts may be permanent, just like a scarred stenosis. In the case of surgery, it might lead to chronic infections, trauma and tumors, among other things.

Speaking with a dry mouth is very difficult, and might even lead to halitosis. Hygiene in the cavity should be paid special attention because risk of infection and tooth decay are highly possible.

Causes

Dry mouth can be caused by any of the following:

· Salivary gland diseases

· Surgery, medication and radiological therapy in the orofacial region

· Fluid loss and decreased mastication

· Aging

Natural Treatment
When eating, liquid substances should be added to help in chewing. Saliva could be induced by sour fruits such as lemon and pineapple. In fact, adding a few drops of lemon juice or fresh pineapple juice cold stimulate the production of saliva, too.

A non-spicy fruit or candy is also often helpful except if there is a condition of oral mucosa. The best natural treatment would be to follow a consistent oral hygienecombined with natural therapies and the right diet.