The most common causes, associated diseases and when to seek medical help
Dry mouth (xerostomia) is an uncomfortable condition in which the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep the oral cavity adequately moist. Although it is often thought that the salivary glands themselves are the primary cause of the problem, in practice this is less likely to be the case, as dry mouth is more often a result of other health conditions or external factors.
Saliva: Important prevention of the major health problems that dry mouth can cause
Saliva plays an extremely important role in maintaining the health of the oral cavity. It protects teeth from caries by neutralizing acids produced by bacteria, improves the sense of taste, facilitates chewing and swallowing food, while the enzymes it contains also participate in the digestive process. For this reason, reduced saliva secretion can negatively affect not only the health of teeth and gums, but also general health and appetite, reports Telegraph.
The most common causes of dry mouth
Side effect of medications
Dry mouth is a very common side effect of many medications. These include medications for treating depression and anxiety, pain relievers, antihistamines (for allergies and colds), blood pressure medications (especially diuretics), medications for asthma, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, nausea, diarrhea, and some weight loss and acne medications. Sedatives and muscle relaxants can also contribute to this problem.
Sjögren's syndrome
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that most often affects the tear and salivary glands, leading to dry eyes and mouth. It often occurs along with other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. It is usually diagnosed in people over 40 years of age and is significantly more common in women. Therapy is mainly aimed at relieving symptoms.
Salivary gland stones
A salivary gland stone is a calcified formation that can block the flow of saliva. It most commonly affects the submandibular glands under the lower jaw, but it can also occur in the parotid or sublingual glands. This problem is often accompanied by pain and swelling, especially during eating.
High blood sugar and diabetes
Dry mouth is a common symptom of high blood sugar, but it can make things worse for people with diabetes. Lack of saliva increases the risk of cavities and oral infections, which can lead to further increases in blood sugar. People with diabetes often also experience changes in taste, a metallic or sour taste, and sleep disturbances.
Stress and anxiety
Chronic stress and anxiety can significantly reduce saliva secretion. In these situations, dry mouth is often accompanied by a feeling of a “lump” in the throat and rapid breathing. Stress reduction work, relaxation, and psychological support can significantly alleviate this problem.
Additional reasons why dry mouth occurs
These are:
• dehydration due to insufficient fluid intake, vomiting, diarrhea, or increased sweating
• smoking and alcohol consumption, which dry out the oral mucosa
• breathing through the mouth, especially during sleep
• radiation and chemotherapy, especially during head and neck treatment
• hormonal changes, such as those during menopause
• infections and high body temperature
• advanced age, as saliva secretion naturally decreases with age
Dry mouth should not be neglected, because in the long term it can lead to serious problems with teeth, gums and quality of life. If symptoms recur frequently or last for a longer period of time, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dentist to determine the cause and appropriate therapy. /Telegraph/
