What is Dry Mouth, What are its Symptoms etc

Dry mouth is the feeling that there is not enough saliva or spit in the mouth, to keep the mouth wet. Everyone has a dry mouth once in a while – if they are nervous, upset or under stress. But if you have a dry mouth all or most of the time, it can be uncomfortable and can lead to serious health problems. It can also be a sign of certain diseases and conditions.

What are the symptoms ?
Dry mouth is rarely a solitary symptom. When present for long periods of time, it induces the formation of many other oral symptoms and clinical signs. Besides the decreased amount of saliva, the tongue may also become sore, fissured and the cheeks dry, pale and dull. Not only mastication becomes difficult, it creates persistent denture problems. One may also experience difficulties in taste and swallowing, besides sensitivity to acidic, salty and spicy food. Dry mouth causes extensive, sometimes rampant, dental decay, even affecting areas not usually prone to decay i.e. the lower incisor teeth. These symptoms thus manifest in :

· a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
· an altered sense of taste
· difficulty in chewing, swallowing, or speaking
· a burning feeling in the mouth
· a dry feeling in the throat
· cracked lips
· an infection in the mouth, sore throat
· bad breath (halitosis)
· tooth decay and gum disease
· a dry tongue
· mouth sores

What is the treatment of dry mouth ?
Treatment of dry mouth is dependent on knowing the cause of the condition in the first place. Your doctor may change your medication if it is suspected to be the cause. Alternatively, medications may be prescribed to increase the production of saliva to help relieve your problem. There are ways to relieve dry mouth such as :

· Sipping water throughout the day and consuming 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to prevent dehydration.
· Drinking water or sugar-free beverages with each meal to keep food particles from becoming trapped in your mouth.
· Sugar-free gum and candy, especially one that has a sour taste, may increase saliva production.
· Avoid beverages such as tea, coffee, and alcohol as they may cause a decrease in saliva production.
· Avoid smoking as it is a major cause of dry mouth.

The following steps are generally advised:

1. To keep Your Mouth Moist

2. Stimulate the flow of your saliva
3. To protect the Hard and Soft Tissues of your Mouth
Ask your dentist to teach you how to properly brush your teeth, and brush them after every meal. Use a dental floss daily. Use a fluoride toothpaste daily. In some cases, your dentist may prescribe the fabrication of a “mouth-guard”, like what the athletes wear. A fluoride gel is placed in these trays and they are worn for several minutes every night. Chew your food slowly and thoroughly, and sip water with it before swallowing. Salivary substitutes (Artificial Saliva) or a mouth-gel can be used to lubricate your tissues. They sometimes make your feel less dry. See your dentist at least 3 times a year and have him/her routinely check you for evidence of early decay.

4. The Use of Drugs to Increase the Flow of Saliva