Dryness in the mouth. What is the reason?

When the saliva is released too little and the mouth becomes unusually dry, a condition called xerostomia appears. So designate its physicians. In the people, this symptom is better known as dry mouth. At first glance this is nothing more than a slight inconvenience, but it is far from being so. Xerostomia most negatively affects the condition of the teeth and disturbs the taste perception, and in the absence of treatment can lead to more serious consequences.

Saliva helps us to feel the taste of food and swallow it more easily, the enzymes in it help digestion, it limits the washing away of food particles and the growth of bacteria, which means it struggles with the development of caries. If there is a constant dryness in the mouth, the saliva seems to be viscous and thick, an unpleasant smell emanates from the mouth, swallow and even talk hard. The lips may crack and cracks appear in their corners, there is a sore throat and the sense of taste changes completely. As a result, all this leads to the formation of fungal infections in the mouth, a significant increase in plaque, uncontrolled development of caries and gum disease.

If there is a constant dryness in the mouth, it is best to seek advice from a dentist or family doctor, since this symptom has many different causes. First of all, it can be the impact of any medications. There are hundreds, including those sold without a prescription. Be sure to pay attention to the presence of contraindications in the attached instructions. Dry mouth can cause drugs from Parkinson's disease, incontinence medications, muscle relaxants, decongestants and pressure medications. The occurrence of dryness most often leads to the reception of antihistamines, medications for anxiety and depression.

Dryness in the mouth at night can appear due to disturbances in the rhythms of the respiratory system. All processes in the sleep period are slowed down, and saliva secretion also applies to them. In addition, a person can snore or breathe through the mouth, which leads to even more drying of the mucosa.

The dryness of the mouth is often complained of by the elderly. Aging in itself is not the cause, but the development of this symptom is facilitated by the presence of other diseases and, as a rule, large consumption of various medications. Saliva production is significantly reduced after exposure to chemotherapeutic drugs. Anti-cancer therapy, especially in the head or neck area, often results in damage to the salivary glands. The production of saliva in this case is inevitably reduced.

To no less serious negative consequences may result in surgical interventions or injuries. If they caused nerve damage in the neck or head, dry mouth may appear. Affects its occurrence and a number of other diseases, such as Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes, AIDS, Parkinson's disease, as well as addiction to cigarettes.

It remains to determine the cause of dryness and try to eliminate it. If the effects of drugs are to blame, it's worth to reduce the dose, or, after consulting the attending physician, replace it with another analog. It is also recommended to take special means that increase the production of saliva. In serious situations, caries can develop and you should definitely visit a dentist. He will offer kapy with fluoride for the night or fluoride tooth covering, to completely eliminate it.

Dry mouth at night and during the day can be caused by frequent consumption of caffeine, very sweet or sour food, the constant use of tobacco or alcohol, the use of decongestants and histamine drugs, as well as the habit of breathing through the mouth. To eliminate it, be sure to get rid of bad habits, including drinking and smoking. Use chewing gum or sucking candies for better saliva secretion. But only without sugar. Clean your teeth twice a day with fluoride-containing paste and gel. To moisten the oral cavity, especially in summer heat, use pieces of ice and drink water in small sips. And finally, be sure to purchase a humidifier and install it in the bedroom.