Dry mouth, or xerostomia, causes, signs, and available treatments.
Saliva is a natural mouth lubricant that not only keeps our mouths clean but also assists with food digestion and illness prevention by keeping oral bacteria and fungi in check.
People experience Xerostomia, a dry and unpleasant mouth ailment, when their saliva production is insufficient.
Why Does Xerostomia Occur?
Dr. Bimarjeet Pradhan, an ENT at the Medi assist ENT Hospital in Jamshedpur, disclosed in an interview with HT Lifestyle, "An unfavorable drug reaction, problems associated with ageing, or cancer radiation therapy are major causes of dry mouth. Thankfully, there are numerous therapy options available to help prevent dry mouth or Xerostomia." He presented the following as the reasons of Xerostomia or dry mouth:
1. A negative side effect of a specific prescription or medication: Many prescription and OTC medications, such as those for obesity, acne, epilepsy, hypertension (diuretics), diarrhoea, nausea, psychotic disorders, urinary incontinence, asthma (certain bronchodilators), Parkinson's disease, antihistamines, and decongestants, can have side effects that can be harmful.
2. A medical treatment's unintended consequence: Saliva production may be reduced if the salivary glands are damaged. For instance, radiation to the head and neck as well as cancer chemotherapy treatments could both cause damage.
3. Xerostomia can also be a complication of some illnesses and infections, such as HIV/AIDS, Sjögren's syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, anaemia, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and the measles.
4. Nerve damage: Injuries or surgery to the neck and head's nerves can cause dry mouth, commonly known as Xerostomia.
5. Lifestyle: Smoking and tobacco use, which exacerbate dry mouth, may have an impact on how much saliva a person makes. Another issue is breathing while often opening the mouth.
Symptoms of Xerostomia
Some of the typical signs and symptoms of the illness, according to Dr. Bimarjeet Pradhan, include:
1.persistent thirst
2.tongue feels sticky and dry
3.Infections in the mouth
4.the sensation of tingling or burning in the mouth, particularly on the tongue
throat feeling parched
5.A painful, bloody, dry tongue
issues speaking
6.difficulty swallowing, taste, and chewing
7.Hoarseness
8.unwell throat
9.dry nasal lining
10.poor breath
Available choices for treatment
According to Dr. Bimarjeet Pradhan, there are commonly 4 areas of treatment for Xerostomia symptoms:
1. Facilitating salivation
2. Adding back missing secretions
3. Addressing dental cavities
4. Taking specific actions, including treating infections
He stated: "In order to restore moisture to the mouth, the doctor may advise an oral rinse to individuals who have a dry mouth. These goods are available over-the-counter as sprays or rinses. There are also particular toothpastes, moisturizing gels, and mouthwashes for dry mouth. It is always advisable to consult a dentist or doctor about them."
Added he, "If none of those works, the doctor may also recommend Ended Pharmaceutical's E-Saliva Plus Mouth Spray, a drug that increases salivation. In addition to treating dry mouth, it also works well for allergic reactions, plaque, bad breath, gum disease, and other problems. Additionally, it helps prevent allergic reactions. Finally, scientists are investigating potential innovative medicines. Research is being done on strategies to repair injured salivary glands as well as constructing an artificial salivary gland that could be put into the body."
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