Saliva plays a very important role as a lubricant, helps to protect teeth, cleans the mouth etc, to name a few. People suffering from some medical conditions have dry mouth as a symptom as there is insufficient saliva to perform different oral functions. Dry mouth is scientifically called as ‘Xerostomia’. There is also a related condition called as ‘MIX’ or ‘Medication – Induced – Xerostomia’. Over the years, it has been observed that the number of individuals suffering from this condition has increased due to excess intake of drugs. As the name indicates (MIX), dry mouth in majority of cases is a side-effect of different medicines. Dry mouth can also be a symptom of serious infections and adverse drug reactions which need prompt medical attention.
Presence of infections or any obstruction in the salivary glands is often associated with Xerostomia. This is often seen, as, salivary glands are responsible for the production of saliva in the mouth. Inadequate saliva in the mouth causes or increases dental problems, especially in the long run. Dental problems such as tooth decay, gum inflammation, infection and tooth-loss can occur. It is essential to seek timely treatment to avoid permanent damage and follow the treatment as advised. However, an occasional feeling of dry mouth is considered normal and can occur when you are nervous, anxious and needs no treatment.
Causes
Most of the over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and normal prescription medicines cause dry mouth as a side effect, in majority of people. As many as 3,000 medicines which are available in the market, are known to cause dry mouth as a side effect. Drugs for treating Hypertension, Asthma and Psychological and behavioral problems are mainly found to cause dry mouth. Drugs belonging to the class of anti-histamines also cause Xerostomia and various drug combinations when used together, magnify the existing problem.
Some diseases like Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, Stroke, injuries in the neck and back can also cause dry mouth as they affect the function of salivary glands. Apart from medications, other common causes for Xerostomia include aging, use of tobacco, snoring problems, therapies for dreadful diseases like cancer. Impairment in the normal function of salivary glands due to infection or obstruction problems leads to low output or inadequate saliva causing dry mouth. Chemotherapy used to treat people suffering from cancers, is also a cause for dry mouth as the nerves near the salivary glands are damaged; as a result, neural impulses from the brain do not reach the salivary glands for stimulation in order to produce saliva. Decreased ability of the salivary glands to produce saliva with aging, is seen, even though not normal. Psychological conditions like stress, anxiety, depression also cause dry mouth, as the body is in ‘fight or flight’ mode to deal with such panic attacks with the release of hormones.
Symptoms
Many other symptoms can be present along with dry mouth depending on the underlying cause. Persistent symptoms of dryness in the mouth, frequent thirst, irritation do occur. Some symptoms like swallowing difficulty, halitosis (bad breath), mouth ulcers, thickened saliva and oral problems, pain inside the mouth or tongue can coexist along with dry mouth. Dental problems like gingivitis, tooth decay, increased infections inside the mouth like thrush (fungal infection) can result due to decreased saliva (as it helps to prevent microbial growth).
When dry mouth is accompanied with emergency symptoms like breathing difficulty, increased temperature etc, one has to reach for medical help at the earliest.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by your physician after a detailed physical examination along with clinical history about the symptoms, duration, medications used etc.
Treatment options
Dry mouth need to be treated at the earliest as it can lead to infections in the salivary glands, other parts of the mouth due to accumulation of microorganisms. Treatment options vary depending on the cause for dry mouth. In cases, which are induced by medication (MIX), your physician will make changes in the medicine used, dose prescribed etc. Synthetic solutions which function like saliva can be given for temporary relief. If some amount of saliva is still produced as in some cases, the doctor can prescribe medicines to increase the efficiency of salivary glands.
Along with treatment, some precautions to maintain oral hygiene, can be taken to prevent worsening of the existing condition. Measures like flossing regularly, avoiding foods rich in sugars, caffeine, having regular check-ups, avoiding alcohol, tobacco (as they worsen the dry mouth symptom), having plenty of water etc, will go a long way in managing and preventing such infections.
Proper labeling of the medicine side-effects has to be done by companies to make people better aware before usage. One can equip self with information about the condition so as to detect signs, for early diagnosis and further treatment.
