Dry mouth despite drinking water may be caused by xerostomia

CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Bhopal: Dry mouth despite drinking water may be caused by xerostomia

CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India Epress / ITDC News / Agencies, Bhopal: If dryness in the mouth persists despite drinking water repeatedly, it should not be ignored as merely thirst or the effect of the weather. It may be a condition called xerostomia, or dry mouth. In this condition, the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva, or the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva helps in chewing and swallowing food and also plays an important role in protecting teeth from decay and the mouth from infection.

What are the main causes and symptoms? Xerostomia can be caused by dehydration, side effects of certain medicines, diabetes, Sjogren syndrome, sleeping with the mouth open, smoking and alcohol consumption. Radiation and chemotherapy given in cancer treatment can also affect the process of saliva production.

Its main symptoms include a persistent sticky or dry feeling in the mouth, burning sensation on the tongue, cracked lips, dryness in the throat, bad breath and changes in taste. In severe cases, there may be difficulty in chewing food, speaking and swallowing. Reduced saliva also increases the risk of cavities in the teeth and fungal infections in the mouth.

Ten measures for prevention and relief include drinking small amounts of water throughout the day, chewing sugar-free gum, using sugar-free candy, limiting tea, coffee and caffeine intake, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, reducing very salty and spicy foods, using a humidifier in the room at night, applying lip balm to the lips, brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and getting regular dental check-ups. If dryness of the mouth persists for several weeks or there is difficulty in eating or speaking, consult a doctor or dentist. Do not stop any prescribed medicine on your own. Depending on the cause, treatment may include a change in medicine, artificial saliva or medicines that help saliva production.

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