Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is the feeling of a dry mouth. It can occur in various contexts (illness, medication, aging, etc.) and is due to insufficient saliva production. It is common in the elderly.

If having a “mushy” mouth in the morning or a dry mouth after physical exertion is quite normal, we speak of xerostomia when the feeling of dry mouth persists.

Several associated symptoms can then appear. These include:

• a permanent feeling of a dry, mushy, or “sticky” mouth and throat;
• increased thirst;
• bad breath (this is called halitosis);
• tongue irritation or a burning sensation;
• difficulty eating, swallowing, or even speaking;
• sore throat;
• decreased taste;
• or gum disease or dental caries.

Dry mouth is caused by a decrease in the production of saliva by the salivary glands. This can be caused by different factors.

Taking certain medications

This is also the most common cause. Xerostomia is a side effect of many treatments, prescribed for example against:

• high blood pressure,
• allergies (antihistamines),
• the Depression,
• anxiety,
• sleep disorders,
• digestive disorders,
• a cold,
• asthma (some bronchodilators),
• Parkinson’s disease

Illness or infection:

• diabetes,
• Parkinson’s disease,
• Goujerot-Sjögren syndrome (an autoimmune disease),
• rheumatoid arthritis,
• l’hypertension,
• Alzheimer’s disease,
• multiple sclerosis
• dehydration;

Dry mouth as such is usually mild, although it can have a big impact on the quality of life, including causing constant discomfort, pain or difficulty in feeding, bad breath, etc.

It is therefore important to consult your doctor or dentist to identify the cause and find a solution quickly.

To try to prevent the occurrence of dry mouth, it is recommended:

• to limit the consumption of tobacco, alcohol, even coffee and soft drinks which can worsen the symptoms;
• regularly drink small amounts of water to moisten the mouth; and place a humidifier in the bedroom to limit nighttime discomfort.

If needed, saliva substitutes (lubricating spray based on mucin, carboxymethylcellulose, glycerol esters, etc.) can be used once or twice a day or chew sugar-free candies or chewing gum to stimulate secretion. of saliva.

A drug based on anetholtrithione may sometimes be offered.

When the cause of dry mouth is medication, adjustment of treatment or a change of molecule may sometimes be necessary, if possible.

Finally, it is important, in the event of xerostomia, to have impeccable oral hygiene and to consult the dentist regularly to prevent the appearance of cavities, among other disorders.