understand the causes and how to treat this problem

The feeling of having a dry mouth is a nuisance for some people, but what many don’t know is that the condition can be a salivation disorder. Also known as xerostomia, i.e. lack of saliva production to keep the mouth moist, the problem is one of the main responsible for causing infections and cavities in the teeth, since saliva production is also important to control the amount of bacteria. in the mouth.

To avoid this problem, dentist and oral health specialist Dr. Bruna Conde explains what the symptoms of the condition are and how to maintain the correct flow of saliva in the mouth. Look!

Factors that cause dry mouth

Dry mouth can be caused by many factors, including:

• Bad oral hygiene;
• Excessive consumption of coffee or tea;
• Use of medication for conditions such as diabetes or Sjögren’s Syndrome (immune system disorder characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth);
• Stress;
• Smoking;
• Excessive alcohol consumption.

Why is dry mouth a problem?

Dr. Bruna Conde explains that dry mouth also increases the risk of gingivitis (gum disease) and oral infections such as candidiasis. In addition, the condition can also make it difficult to wear dentures and cause tooth decay, as saliva not only helps digest food and makes it possible to chew and swallow, but is also the mouth’s natural cleaner.

“Without saliva, tooth decay and gum disease are more likely. If you have dry mouth, to combat tooth decay and gum disease, you need to be extra careful in following good oral hygiene habits.

Symptoms of the condition

The main symptom of xerostomia is the lack of salivation itself. However, other manifestations may indicate that the patient has the condition, such as:

• Burning sensation;
• Difficulty swallowing;
• Red tongue;
• Sore tongue;
• Bad breath;
• Saburra (presence of a white plaque of bacteria on the tongue).

treatment for xerostomia

Treatment for dry mouth depends on what is causing the problem. The most effective way to deal with dry mouth is to identify the source. If it is due to medicines, it may be necessary to change prescriptions or adjust dosages. In case of reduced salivary glands, the trained dentist can perform stimulation of the glands with modern and painless devices.

But if the medical condition causing the dry mouth cannot be changed – for example, if the salivary gland has been damaged or is a result of a disease itself, such as Sjögren’s syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease – then treatment will focus on ways to increase the flow of saliva.

Techniques to improve saliva production

Other measures can be taken to help improve saliva flow:

• Suck on candies or chew sugar-free gum, especially gum with xylitol: chewing helps to stimulate the flow of saliva. “But remember to chew it for a maximum of 20 minutes and avoid using it many times a day”, warns the dentist.
• Drink lots of water: this helps keep your mouth moist and loosen mucus. Carry water with you to drink during the day and keep a bottle by your bed at night.
• Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste: avoid commercial mouthwashes or rinses that contain alcohol or peroxide. These ingredients will dry out even more your mouth.
• Breathe through your nose, not your mouth: try to utilize the technique as much as possible. To help, there is also treatment for mouth breathing.
• Use a room vaporizer: this will help add moisture to the room’s air.
• Moisten the food: use broths, soups, sauces, creams and butter. Eat soft, moist foods that are cool or at room temperature.
• Avoid some foods like: salty foods, dry foods (such as crackers, toast, crackers, dried breads, dried meat/poultry/fish, dried fruit and bananas) and foods and drinks with a high sugar content.
• Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine: alcohol increases water loss by triggering frequent urination and, like caffeinealso dries out the mouth.
• Avoid smoking.

“A dry mouth can be very uncomfortable and disrupt your overall well-being. So be sure to seek professional help, visit your trusted dentist. The dentist must be fit and up-to-date, as we have more and more new products on the market with miraculous promises. Invest in quality products and professionals”, concludes Dr. Bruna Count.

By Gabriela Dallo