Saliva, which is secreted from the salivary glands about 1 to 1.5 liters per day, plays a role in lubricating food to be mixed well, as well as digestion through digestive enzymes, protection of oral mucosa and teeth through the action of antibacterial substances, and continuous oral hygiene. It plays a very important role in cleansing and preventing tooth decay. Dry mouth is a symptom of dry mouth due to decreased secretion of saliva from the salivary glands, which plays an important role. Dry mouth, which is known to be experienced by about 50% of people over the age of 60, is mainly seen in women rather than men, and it is reported that the incidence increases with age.
Dry mouth can be caused by systemic causes such as Sjogren’s syndrome, diabetes, and anemia, and it is known to occur according to various causes, such as surgery on the salivary glands and destruction of the salivary glands after radiation therapy. In addition, side effects caused by drugs such as steroids, antibiotics, anticancer drugs, painkillers, antihistamines, and diuretics have also been known to affect the occurrence. In addition, dehydration due to severe vomiting or diarrhea, decreased water intake, smoking, and drinking alcohol are other causes of the occurrence. Dry mouth may occur in a temporary form, but if it is caused by radiation therapy or surgery in the salivary gland area, it may lead to a permanent form. Now, let’s check the main symptoms that appear when dry mouth occurs, and various information related to treatment and prevention.
Main symptoms of dry mouth
When symptoms of dry mouth appear, the saliva becomes sticky and thick, and thirst may increase. At the same time as the ability to taste food decreases, chewing and swallowing food may become difficult, and speech may become difficult. Also, because saliva is a digestive function, digestive disorders can occur, and when you eat spicy or irritating foods, you may feel pain in your mouth. And at the same time as the tongue surface changes, such as cracking of the tongue, the lips and the edges of the mouth are cracked, and ulcers can form. In addition, white spots on the tongue or severe bad breath are also major symptoms that can occur when dry mouth occurs.
If the symptoms of dry mouth become progressively worse, it can cause tooth decay in addition to the discomfort caused by various related symptoms, and problems such as inaccuracy in pronunciation can occur because it interferes with the movement of the tongue. In addition, the mucous membrane of the oral cavity is prone to injury, which can cause inflammation and infection, and also act as a cause of oral diseases such as gingivitis. In addition, if signs suggestive of dry mouth appear, it is important to visit a hospital, find out the cause through an accurate examination, and proceed with appropriate treatment. In addition, limiting and improving the causes that affect the occurrence as much as possible is as important as hospital treatment.
Treatment and prevention of dry mouth
1. Treatment according to diagnosis
For dry mouth, oral examinations and X-rays of necessary areas are performed to check the condition of the oral mucosa and tongue in more detail. In addition, a more accurate diagnosis is made through various tests such as small salivary gland biopsy, CT, salivary gland scan, and salivary gland angiography. Afterwards, depending on the diagnosis result, if there is a disease that causes Sjogren’s syndrome, etc., the basic procedure is to treat it, and at the same time, various treatments are carried out to maintain the moisture in the oral mucosa and relieve the symptoms. Artificial saliva products may be used, medications that stimulate salivation may be used, and mouthwashes containing fluoride and disinfectants may be used to prevent inflammation in the mouth.
2. Drinking plenty of water
The most basic way to prevent and manage dry mouth is to drink plenty of water regularly. Rather than drinking a lot of water all at once, it is better to consume small amounts frequently, and it is said that eating ice cubes slowly melts in your mouth. In addition, drinking water during meals is a recommended method as it is known to aid swallowing and improve taste, and frequent rinsing of the mouth is also a very important management habit in relieving symptoms.
3. Regular brushing habits
Brushing your teeth 3-4 times a day and keeping your lips moist by applying a moisturizer is also said to be a management habit that helps a lot in relieving symptoms. Also, it is said that using a mouthwash can help in maintaining oral hygiene. Since alcohol contained in mouthwash can dry out the mouth, it is said that it is a good way to rinse your mouth thoroughly after using it. In addition, please note that using a humidifier to prevent the air from drying out is an important management habit to prevent dry mouth.
4. Refrain from consuming spicy foods
Excessive consumption of salty or spicy foods can also cause or worsen dry mouth, so it is recommended to refrain from eating them. When your mouth feels dry, consuming sugar-free candy, xylitol gum, sour fruits such as lemon, or vitamin C can stimulate salivation, so it is said to be effective in relieving symptoms.
However, it is best to avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar. If the symptoms of dry mouth are severe and you feel pain or the mucous membrane is cracked, chewing gum or candy can make the symptoms worse. Also, limiting alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine-rich coffee and beverages can make your mouth dry even more, so limiting them is a good idea.
