The absence of saliva is a common problem that may only seem like a problem of discomfort, but dry mouth can affect both the pleasure of eating and the health of your teeth.
The medical term that defines dry mouth is xerostomia. Dry mouth can cause problems because saliva helps prevent tooth decay by limiting the growth of bacteria and removing food and plaque.
Saliva increases the ability to taste food and makes it easier to swallow.
In addition, the enzymes in saliva aid digestion.Although treatment depends on the cause, dry mouth is often a side effect of certain medications. The condition can be improved by adjusting doses or changing the medicine.
If a person does not produce enough saliva, he or she may notice the following signs and symptoms: dry mouth; saliva that looks viscous, and sticky; cracks in the corners of the mouth; dry lips; bad breath; difficulty speaking and swallowing; dry, sore throat; altered sense of taste; fungal infections in the mouth; increased incidence of plaque, tooth decay and gum disease.
Stress and mental illness.
When we are stressed, we experience that “dry mouth” feeling. Stress experienced over long periods of time can lead to mental imbalances, anxiety and depression. All these are accompanied by that dry mouth feeling.
Medication.
One of the most common reasons for dry mouth is excessive use of diuretics or blood pressure medication. Diuretics remove excess sodium from the body, but water is needed to remove the sodium.
When not enough water is consumed, blood pressure drops. Therefore, before deciding to take any blood pressure-regulating medication, it is best to consult a doctor.
Malnutrition.
Malnutrition is another possible reason for dry mouth. When the body doesn’t get enough food and water, the body’s functions are reduced. The activity of the salivary glands is also reduced. In this way the whole body will suffer from malnutrition.
Sugar (Diabetes).
If a patient complains of dry mouth, the first thing to check is the sugar level in the body. If, in addition, he feels the need for an unusual intake of food and water, but loses weight, it is clear that he is suffering from diabetes.
