What is Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is a common concern that affects roughly 1 in 4 adults. Dryness occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough saliva. It is most common in those who take multiple medications, but can also be caused by various diseases and medical treatments.
Common Causes of Dry Mouth
Medications
Up to 600 medications are known to cause dryness of the mouth & throat
For example drugs used to treat depression, high blood pressure and anxiety, some antihistamines, decongestants, muscle relaxants and pain medications
Cancer Therapies
Chemotherapy drugs can change the nature of saliva and the amount produced while some radiation treatments can damage salivary glands
Tobacco and Alcohol
Drinking alcohol, smoking or chewing tobacco can increase dry mouth symptoms, not only immediately after use but also throughout the day
Nerve Damage
An injury or surgery that causes nerve damage to the head and neck area can result in dry mouth
Age
Saliva production can reduce as you grow older
Dehydration
80% of Australians are dehydrated every single day and may not be aware of it
Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Snoring and breathing with your mouth open also can contribute to dry mouth
Health Conditions
Dry mouth can be caused by health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, yeast infection (thrush) in your mouth or Alzheimer’s disease
Similarly autoimmune diseases, including Sjogren’s syndrome or HIV/AIDS are also known to cause dry mouth
Dysphagia
Difficulty speaking, chewing, and swallowing where there is not enough saliva to keep the mouth moist
Common Signs of Dry Mouth
Many people may be suffering from xerostomia and are completely unaware of the issue, the causes or even the signs. However leaving your mouth absent of sufficient saliva can cause additional side effects and can be detrimental to your health. Common signs include:
Rough, dry tongue
Tongue tending to stick against the roof of the mouth
Problems with chewing or swallowing
Bad breath
Mouth ulcers
Dry and cracked lips
Susceptibility to oral thrush infections
High rate of tooth decay
Prickly, burning sensation in the mouth
Loose acrylic dentures
Think you might have Dry Mouth?
Answer a few quick questions to find out now.
Answer a few quick questions to find out now.
Let’s Talk About Saliva!
Typically, your mouth produces about 1 litre of saliva a day and consists of 99% water. Dryness can occur when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. This can be a problem because saliva has many important functions. Not only does it keep your mouth moist and comfortable, but it also plays a vital role in your overall oral health:
Decreases tooth decay due to its anti-fungal properties
Helps to destroy viruses and prevent infections
Neutralises the acids produced by plaque
Moistens food, which enables comfortable swallowing
Heightens the sensations inside the mouth, including pain, food texture and taste
DYSPHAGIA & ORAL HYGIENE:
A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Dry Mouth affects up to 40% of older people.
90% of people with dysphagia will be affected by dry mouth.
Written by Martha Rowe
Creator of Osmist
DYSPHAGIA & ORAL HYGIENE:
A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Written by Martha Rowe – Creator of Osmist
Dry Mouth affects up to 40% of older people.
90% of people with dysphagia notice dryness in the mouth & throat.