Loss of appetite, and malnutrition in some cases. In addition, dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay and is the main cause of bad breath, as dry mouth may also often be accompanied by dry lips, tongue, and throat.
Loss of appetite, and malnutrition in some cases. In addition, dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay and is the main cause of bad breath, as dry mouth may also often be accompanied by dry lips, tongue, and throat.
Causes of dry mouth
There are many reasons that lead to dry mouth and this dryness may result from taking some types of medications, such as:
Anti-anxiety and depression medications
High blood pressure medications
Medicines to treat diarrhea
Antihistamines
Decongestant medications
Muscle relaxants
Medicines used to treat urinary incontinence
Medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease
Diuretics
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Acne treatment medications
Anti-epileptic or seizure medications
Medicines that treat vomiting and nausea
Some bronchodilator medications
Tranquilizers
Antipsychotic medications
Medicines that help reduce appetite
In some cases, dry mouth results from diseases such as:
diabetes
Endocrine and hormonal disorders, such as hypothyroidism
Immune disorders such as rheumatism
Blockage of the salivary gland ducts
Anxiety
Parkinson’s disease
Depression
Sjögren’s Syndrome
Infection with HIV or AIDS
Alzheimer’s disease
Anemia
Cystic fibrosis
Hypertension
brain attack
Mumps
Snoring
Sarcoidosis
Amyloidosis
Scleroderma
Neurological disorders, such as seventh neuralgia and cerebral palsy
Primary gallbladder cirrhosis
Atrophic gastritis
Hepatitis C
Lymphoma
In some cases, malignant tumors such as cancer lead to the occurrence of cancer in the mouth, as aging also plays a prominent role in causing dry mouth and in some cases, dryness may result from drinking alcohol or smoking and in some cases, it is linked to the psychological factor, as dryness can be observed in the mouth, as mouth in cases of fear, tension or stress.
What are the symptoms of dry mouth?
Symptoms and complications of dry mouth include:
Bad breath
Dry and cracked lips
Cracks on the inside of the cheeks
Mouth ulcers
Infection and inflammation in the mouth or lips area
A defect in the sense of taste
Feeling pain and burning in the tongue
Inflammation and ulcers of the tongue
Soft tissue inflammation
Increased need to drink water constantly, especially at night
Lipstick constantly sticks to the teeth
Frequent gum disease
Increased rates of tooth decay and calcifications
Problems swallowing and chewing, especially when eating dry foods such as crackers or cereal
Difficulty wearing dentures
Viscosity of saliva
Difficulty speaking
Sore throat
Hoarseness
Dry nose
How to treat dry mouth
Treatment for dry mouth is to control the diseases and causes behind it. If the cause is side effects of certain medications, the doctor may replace them with other medications that do not lead to dry mouth. Also, there are a number of drug treatments and home measures through which dry mouth can be treated and relieved, including:
Medications that stimulate saliva production, such as Pilocarpine and Cevimeline.
Saliva substitutes, such as artificial saliva, which contain substances that increase viscosity such as carboxymethylcellulose or hydroxyethylcellulose, in addition to minerals such as calcium ions, phosphate, and fluoride, as saliva substitutes are available in various forms such as solution, spray, gel, or lozenges and may be flavored.
Eat low-sugar foods and drinks.
Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid increased dryness.
Drink plenty of water.
Eat sugar-free gum, preferably gum that contains xylitol.
Breathe through the nose instead of the mouth as much as possible.
Use a humidifier to add moisture to the bedroom air to reduce dry mouth symptoms while sleeping.
Do not wear dentures while sleeping.
Eat plenty of carrots or celery.
Avoid spicy, sour, or salty foods and foods.
Avoid very hot or very cold drinks.
Avoid foods and drinks that contain astringents, such as tea.
Avoid consuming alcohol.
Avoid smoking.
Eat products containing caffeine at a moderate rate.
In conclusion, dry mouth is a common problem that greatly affects the quality of life and oral health, as it is necessary to recognize the possible causes and treat them effectively to reduce the negative effects of this condition and whether the cause is a specific disease or side effects of medications, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help improve symptoms and maintain oral health, as by using saliva-stimulating medications, saliva substitutes, and following simple home measures, individuals can alleviate dry mouth and live a more comfortable, healthier life and to maintain overall oral health, it is recommended to visit your doctor regularly and follow recommended medical advice.
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