Dryness of the mouth may not seem like a serious symptom but if it persists and causes other symptoms, then it should be investigated. In most cases, a dry mouth is only short term, usually due to a low fluid intake especially when talking a lot or after an excessive intake of sugary foods. In cases where the dryness can only be alleviated by a constant intake of water, then it can be considered as a symptom of some underlying pathology. In these cases, dryness of the mouth is referred to as xerostomia, indicating that it is considered as a medical symptom rather than just an occasional occurrence.
The mouth cavity is constantly bombarded with different substances when eating or drinking and changes in air flow when breathing or talking. Lined with thin epithelium, the moisture within the mouth is dependent on saliva secreted from the salivary glands. Any disorder that affects the salivary gland will cause a reduction of moisture in the mouth, ultimately leading to mouth dryness.
What Causes a Dry Mouth?
Causes of Xerostomia
The causes of a dry mouth may vary, from non-pathological causes, to serious medical disorders.
Some common causes of mouth dryness not related to any disease includes :
- Dehydration or low fluid intake.
- Cigarette smoking.
- Mouth breathing, especially in those with nasal obstruction associated with hay fever or sinusitis.
- Excessive intake of sweet foods or those high in refined carbohydrates.
- Age related dryness of the mouth.
- Long periods of sleep.
Mouth dryness. Picture from medscape.com
Other causes of mouth dryness that may require medical intervention includes :
- Mouth dryness caused by radiation therapy as part of cancer treatment.
- Side effect of certain drugs.
- Autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome.
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Hypothyroidism
- Salivary gland stones
- Globus sensation – feeling of a lump in the throat.
What are the Symptoms of Xerostomia?
Saliva plays many important functions in the mouth. Apart from moisturizing the lining of the mouth cavity, saliva also has antimicrobial effects, ensuring that bacteria and fungi do not infect any structures within the mouth. By maintaining a steady pH, mouth saliva also maintains the health and integrity of the teeth and the taste sense of the tongue. Reduced saliva flow will also increase the friction between the various mouth structures, like the teeth, gum and tongue to rub. Mouth dryness will eventually lead to a various signs and symptoms, which may include :
- Tooth cavities and poor oral hygiene.
- Mouth infections, including oral thrush.
- Difficulty and discomfort when talking, often affecting the speech.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Abrasion and small cuts when chewing.
- Mouth sores.
- Difficulty when wearing dentures, bite guards or dental braces.
- Halitosis (bad breath).
- Increased urine output due to a greater intake of fluids.
How is mouth dryness treated?
Treatment for a dry mouth involves identifying the cause of dryness and initiating appropriate medical treatment. One of the most common causes of mouth dryness is the chronic use of certain prescription drugs, particularly the following types of drugs :
- antihypertensive used for high blood pressure (hypertension).
- Parkinson’s drugs
- chemotherapy
- antidepressants
- antihistamines
- antiemetics for nausea and vomiting.
- decongestants
- diuretics for passing out excess water.
- narcotics like canabis or methamphetamines.
In fact, mouth dryness can be caused by just about any drug and is one of the most common side effects associated with long term use of a drug. Always consult with a dentist or medical doctor if you have been experiencing long term mouth dryness, especially if it is affecting your daily functioning.
Related Articles :