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Dry mouth, professionally known as xerostomia, is an unpleasant condition associated with decreased salivation. Xerostomia can be caused by stimulants, some medications, improper diet, and stress. We can try to combat dry mouth with home remedies, but in the long run, this condition should not be taken lightly, because it can be a symptom of serious diseases, and if left untreated, it often leads to mycosis, promotes the development of caries, mouth ulcers and ulcers.
The saliva in the mouth plays a very important role: not only moisturizes, but also regulates the pH, affects the proper functioning of the taste buds, and also supports the digestive process, due to the enzyme contained in it – amylaseresponsible for the digestion of sugars. Dry mouth makes it difficult to speak, eat, swallow, cause increased thirst, an unpleasant smell from the mouth and it is a signal that the body informs us about abnormalities. What can they be caused by?
Dry mouth can be associated with inadequate hydration. An adult person should drink 2–2,5 liters of water daily. Frequent consumption of spicy and salty foods, smoking, alcohol abuse, some medications – antihistamines, antidepressants, and drugs (marijuana, methamphetamine) can cause salivation disorders.
Drinking too little water is the most common cause of dry mouth. A low amount of fluid in the diet can also lead to a drop in electrolyte levels. Their level can be checked with a blood analysis. The electrolyte level can be tested in the Diagnostyka network facilities.
The work of the salivary glands is also regulated by hormones – dry mouth may occur during hormonal changes, such as menopause. Oncological and radiotherapy patients often suffer from xerostomia. Dry mouth may also appear in people with eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia), in states of malnutrition, exhaustion, after food poisoning (diarrhea, vomiting), using dentures or orthodontic appliances. Also in stressful situations, we experience a feeling of “dryness in the throat” and in the mouth.
Snoring or breathing through your mouth while sleeping can make your mouth feel dry when you wake up. It is worth checking if the humidity in the room where we sleep is adequate. If it is too small, use the Vitammy Mist Therapeutic Steam Humidifier, which you can buy at a promotional price on Medonet Market.
- See also: Blue lips signal illness
Home remedies for dry mouth
If, however, dry mouth does not occur only after waking up, but persists throughout the day and longer, it is recommended to limit the consumption of salt, sugar and spicy spices, and to give up stimulants (smoking, drinking alcohol). On a temporary basis, chewing sugar-free chewing gum, citrus slices, dried plums (this helps to release saliva), drinking linseed, which moisturizes the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, and an antiseptic sage infusion can be used to rinse the mouth.
There are also drugs that act on the principle of “artificial saliva” – tablets and sprays designed specifically for people with xerostomia.
Toothpaste and mouthwashes should be changed to ones that do not contain alcohol, whiteners and do not disturb the natural pH of the oral cavity, for example, preparations available in pharmacies for people with dental implants or dentures. If dry mouth is caused by recent food poisoning, it is worth replenishing electrolytes and vitamins in the body, for example with special tablets or drinks containing electrolytes and nutrients.
Medical consultation
In the case of persistent dry mouth, consultation with a doctor and tests for oral diseases, as well as digestive disorders, thyroid hormones or diagnosis of diabetes, kidney diseases or other organs is recommended.
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Sjogren’s syndrome
A disease strongly associated with dry mouth is Sjogren’s syndrome. This is a condition where the body produces antibodies against its own proteins. Inflammatory changes occur due to damage to the glands of the external secretion.
One of the main symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome is dry mouth, caused by insufficient saliva production. This leads to a lack of secretions in the airways and the formation of inflammatory infiltrates within the lungs. In addition, the disease manifests itself with inflammation of the lacrimal glands, and thus burning eyes and photophobia, progressive caries and enlargement of the parotid glands.
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