Ways to Help Dry Mouth

You may have an idea how bigger an irritation can be when you have dry mouth. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, usually results from issues such as diabetes, cancer treatment, prolonged stress and immune system’s deficiencies. Mouth dryness is more than just an irritation as there are several oral and overall health issues which can arise due to this condition.

Is mouth dryness harmful?

If mouth dryness is persistent, it can be very harmful. Dry mouth feels irritated and sticky. Now, it is pretty much important to have adequate amount of saliva in your mouth. Saliva moisturizes the mouth and esophagus. Moreover, it provides necessary enzyme, called amylase, to start the process of digestion. Without this enzyme, esophagus and stomach are forced to work pretty hard in order to digest the foods.

If there is not much saliva in your mouth, you will not be able to talk, taste and swallow your foods. Saliva is normally loaded with antimicrobial elements which help in the better prevention of cold sores which can be quite painful.

How mouth dryness occurs

In normal circumstances, mouth dryness occurs as we age. People over the age of 40 are more prone to have dry mouths. Moreover, stress, anxiety and less lower consumption of water can lead to the mouth dryness. Consumption of alcohol, caffeinated drinks, salty foods and spicy meals can lead to the mouth dryness.

There are several medications which can result in the mouth dryness. Those medications mainly include cancer drugs, high blood pressure medications, and muscle relaxants. These are medications which eliminate moisture from tongue, lips and gums. In case you are having mouth dryness due to the medication you are having, you can consult your physician to get the right replacement.

Moreover, there are several health conditions which can result in xerostomia. Those health conditions are:

• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Injury in the neck and/or head
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• HIV
• Cystic fibrosis
• Autoimmune disorders, especially the ones which affect the functions of salivary glands
• Parkinson’s Disease

Helping the dry mouth

In most of the cases, dry mouth doesn’t occur as a consequence of a serious health problem. Still, it is pretty much important to visit the dentist or health physician. You doctor may recommend simple things such as intake of more water and chewing sugarless gum which is specifically helpful in the stimulation of saliva production. Moreover, it is pretty much important to quit smoking which doesn’t only dries up the mouth but it can be seriously harmful for overall health. Moreover, you will have to limit the consumption of caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and colas. Quitting alcohol consumption can also be helpful in avoiding and getting rid of mouth dryness.