Xerostomia is also commonly called “Dry Mouth.” Its causes can come from a few different things. Most notably xerostomia is a side effect of many medications. It occurs when there is not enough saliva produced in the mouth and can be remedied in a few different ways depending on the severity.
Symptoms
The most obvious symptom of dry mouth is, of course, dry mouth. But there can be more severe symptoms such as difficulty chewing, speaking, or swallowing. Sometimes bad breath can be an indicator of xerostomia and some people report gum irritation or even gum disease. If you have these symptoms you may want to consult a doctor before the dry mouth worsens.
Causes
Many drugs, including those found over the counter, list dry mouth as a side effect. Dry mouth is a particularly common side effect amongst anti-depressants and painkillers. This is why many elderly people experience dry mouth. With aging comes more medication and with more medication comes more side effects. Many cancer patients suffer from dry mouth when going through chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can damage saliva glands. However, many patients noticed a return in saliva upon completing chemotherapy. But if the xerostomia persists, it might be a good idea to tell your doctor. Loss of saliva is also a common result of smoking cigarettes, just one of the many reasons to avoid using these harmful products.
Treatments
The treatment of xerostomia may vary depending on the cause. If you are on any medications and your doctor believes this to be the cause of your dry mouth, they may alter the dosage or try a new medication altogether. You can also treat dry mouth with over the counter mouth rinses, artificial saliva, or moisturizers. These will hopefully lubricate your mouth and return your saliva content to normal. One obvious treatment is to sip water or suck on ice throughout the day. Chewing sugar free gum can also help you naturally produce saliva and has been known to combat dry mouth.
If you feel like you are suffering from dry mouth, there are several ways to deal with it. If you try the simpler remedies and the problem persists, then it might be a good idea to discuss your other options with your doctor or dentist. Just remember no one knows how your mouth feels better than you, and if xerostomia is a persistent problem, it may be an indicator that something bigger is happening so don’t be afraid or embarrassed to speak up about your saliva!
