What is dry mouth?
Dry mouth is
a condition whereby the salivary glands either reduce or stop the
production of saliva (hyposalivation). Saliva is made up of protective
enzymes, proteins, mucus, antibacterial chemicals, electrolytes and
water. Saliva is produced by the major salivary glands, which are
located in the cheeks and underneath the tongue.
FACT: There are over 600 minor salivary glands located around the mouth too that provide lubrication for digestion.
Why is dry mouth harmful to your mouth?
- Promotes other diseases
- Cavities
- Periodontal disease
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Mouth sores
- Sore throat
- Fungal infections
- Difficulty speech
- Difficulty chewing
- Altered taste
- Malnutrition
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Lung Disease
- Cancer
What causes dry mouth?
- Salivary glands reduce functioning
- Salivary stones (blocked ducts)
- Medications
- Snoring / mouth breathing
- Anxiety
- Cancer
- Trauma
- Surgery
What can be done to treat dry mouth?
1. Find the cause (s)2. Seek alternative medications with physician (that caused dry mouth)
3. Use topical saliva substitutes
4. Use a medication called pilocarpine or evoxac to induce saliva production
5. Rinse with a non-alcoholic fluoride rinse
6. Rinse with water after every snack and drink (within the 7-minute window)