Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is associated with various medical conditions and can lead to serious oral problems. Causes include drug abuse, prescription drugs, cancer treatment, dehydration, and certain diseases. Treatment options vary depending on the cause and can include reducing sugar intake, rinsing with cold liquids, and using artificial saliva. Unexplained xerostomia should be addressed as it can sometimes be life-threatening.
Xerostomia is the medical term for dry mouth. While xerostomia itself is not a disease, it is associated with a variety of medical conditions, from cancer treatment to drug abuse, and is a cause for concern if it is chronic. Many people experience dry mouth at some point in their lives, but a long period of dry mouth can lead to serious oral problems. There are a number of treatments that can be used to address xerostomia, including treatments for the cause of the problem.
Some common causes of xerostomia include drug abuse, certain prescription drugs, cancer treatment, undiagnosed diabetes, dehydration, and several diseases and syndromes. Older people also sometimes suffer from dry mouth. When your mouth gets dry, it becomes vulnerable to infection. This is because saliva helps the mouth defend itself against harmful bacteria and lubrication keeps the mucous membranes healthy.
A patient’s risk of tooth decay and oral infections can greatly increase with xerostomia, as the organisms that cause these infections suddenly have free rein in the mouth. The condition can also lead to bad breath, thanks to bacterial infection of the mouth. Both of these conditions are correctable, but they can be expensive and painful, and are best avoided if possible. Also, the patient may have difficulty eating due to dry mouth and speech problems are also related to xerostomia.
Doctors treat xerostomia by first addressing the underlying cause and then making a series of recommendations for the individual patient’s case. A reduced intake of sugar, frequent rinsing with cold liquids is often recommended, and sometimes artificial saliva will be prescribed. There are also some medications that can stimulate saliva production in the patient. Because these treatments vary depending on the cause of the xerostomia, it’s fine to treat a case of cottonmouth for a few days at home, but if the condition persists, the patient should see a doctor.
Cancer patients and patients with prescription medications that can cause dry mouth are usually warned about this side effect in advance and can also be given advice for management. Unexplained xerostomia should always be addressed, because the root cause can sometimes be life-threatening. If you also notice dry eyes, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to be diagnosed and treated.
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