Xerostomia – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments!

Xerostomia – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments that we should all be aware of. In addition, xerostomia (also known as dry mouth or dry mouth) is a symptom related to lack of saliva. Xerostomia can cause difficulty speaking and eating . It can also lead to halitosis ( bad breath ) and a dramatic increase in tooth decay as the protective effect of saliva is not present, and it can also make the lining of the mouth more vulnerable to infections.

The tongue may show deficiency by atrophy of the papillae, inflammation, fissuring, cracking and even denudation. The individual with xerostomia presents sensitivity, burning, burning and pain in the mucosa of the tongue.

Chronic xerostomia predisposes to acute dental caries, periodontal complications, and subsequent tooth loss. The patient has difficulties in using dentures and is uncomfortable with prosthetic appliances due to dry mouth.

The volume of saliva secreted under basal resting conditions is around 1 ml/min, which amounts to a daily volume of 1000 to 1500 ml/day (on average 1200 ml/day).

Variations in this volume, as in the composition of saliva, are due to the action of controlling factors of salivary secretion, with the autonomic nervous system being fundamental. Through neuroautonomous control, both sympathetic and parasympathetic influence the formation of saliva; however the second is the most important, as for digestive functions in general.

Know the Consequences of Xerostomia:

• Halitosis ( bad breath );
• Gum disease ( gingivitis  and periodontitis), which can lead to tooth loss;
• Dysgeusia (altered taste);
• Difficulty eating, chewing, swallowing, or speaking;
• Caries and dental erosion;
• Candida oral infection;
• Dry and chapped lips;
• Dry and rough tongue, atrophy of the papillae, which may lead to inflammation, fissures, cracks and even papillary denudation in more severe cases;

Main  Symptoms of Xerostomia:  These are signs of both xerostomia and hyposialia, or hyposalivation: difficulty swallowing, dry and cracked lips, burning sensation or pain in the tongue, which becomes red and fissured, greater number of dental caries, presence of coating (plaque that forms on the back of the tongue), bad breath , throat irritation, difficulty speaking and swallowing.

Diagnosis For Xerostomia: Xerostomia  is a sign that something in the body is out of balance and needs to be corrected. The diagnosis considers the clinical signs of xerostomia and, when necessary, the result of the silometry, a simple, fast, painless and low-cost test that allows the analysis of the quantity and quality of saliva produced in a given period of time.

Treatment:  Treatment of xerostomia is directly correlated with the cause of the disorder, but some basic principles are recommended, whatever the case. In this sense, it is important to drink around two liters of water a day, to be careful in oral hygiene, to avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages and spicy foods, not to smoke.

When necessary, it is possible to resort to the use of an artificial saliva spray or drops that can be applied two or more times a day to avoid complications caused by xerostomia .

Important:  Dry mouth on a very hot day or after strenuous exercise, which can be corrected with fluid intake and proper diet, is not a cause for concern. If the symptom is chronic, however, see a doctor or dentist to identify the cause of the disorder and refer treatment.