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What Is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth, also called xerostoma, is an abnormal mouth dryness which is a result of reduced saliva secretion in the mouth. Also known as cottonmouth, pasties or doughmouth, dry mouth usually isn't a serious condition and can be easily treated. However, if not corrected, dry mouth can lead to severe medical conditions. Also, treatment is essential as dry mouth could be a sign of a worse medical problem. People dealing with dry mouth need to seek medical or dental attention for treatment.

  1. Size and Causes

    • Almost everyone has experienced dry mouth at one time or another. According to DryMouth.com the condition affects roughly 20 to 25 percent of adults, mostly women. Dry mouth increases with age, with about 30 to 40 percent of older adults who are 60 to 80 years of age having it. Usually dry mouth is caused by taking prescription drugs or having a systemic disease which involves many organs of the entire body. Stress as well as smoking can also cause the condition.

    Effects

    • Besides being uncomfortable, having dry mouth can affect eating enjoyment and dental health. The condition places a person at a higher risk of tooth decay, gum disease (gingivitis), in addition to mouth infections such as thrush. Dry mouth also makes it challenging to wear dentures.

    Common Symptoms

    • Besides having a mouth that feels dehydrated, there are other symptoms of dry mouth. For example, swallowing difficulty is a common sign of the problem. Other symptoms include not being able to taste food and a mouth that's sensitive to salty, acidic or spicy foods. Ongoing dental decay problems could suggest dry mouth. Mouth sores and a red raw tongue, along with tingling or burning mouth sensations are also symptoms.

    Diagnosing Dry Mouth

    • Diagnosing dry mouth is a process involving several types of information. A medical history and physical examination, along with details about symptoms is needed. Salivary tests are done for measuring saliva flow and examining salivary glands. Various eye tests are performed. Blood tests are also done for determining antibodies linked with certain diseases and conditions.

    Treatment by Drug Elimination or Adjustments

    • In treating dry mouth a doctor needs to first determine what's causing the condition before treating symptoms. If dry mouth is caused by taking prescription drugs, often a doctor can take a patient off the drug causing the problem or change to a medication with less drying effects.

    Keeping a Moist Mouth

    • In life threatening diseases it's usually not possible to adjust a drug intake pattern. In these cases doctors advise patients to keep their mouth moist by sipping water or other sugar free juices. It's important to take frequent sips of liquids while eating to help with chewing and swallowing, as well as enhance food taste. Saliva flow can be stimulated by eating foods requiring mastication and chewing, such as sugarless gum. Chewing sugarless, acid-tasting candies and sucking on cherries, lemon and lime rinds or olive pits also help.

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