What Causes Xerostomia or
Dry Mouth?
Have you experienced sore throat or difficulty swallowing? Some people may feel burning sensation or may have trouble speaking once in a while. This could be due to condition called Dry mouth or medically named Xerostomia. Dry mouth may also be due to other health issues. Dry mouth is caused by lack of saliva or reduced flow of saliva in your mouth. This can cause extensive tooth decay, since saliva acts a protective barrier against bacteria for the teeth.
Saliva is the mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay and maintains the health of the soft and hard tissues in the mouth. Saliva washes away food and other debris, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth, offering first-line protection against microbial invasion or overgrowth that might lead to disease.
Lack of saliva or inadequate flow of saliva is the cause of Dry mouth—also called Xerostomia. It is not a disease, but a symptom of a medical disorder or a side effect of certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers, diuretics and many others.
Restoring moisture or saliva is important to keep your teeth healthy and to reduce oral issues. Sugar free gum or candy could stimulate salivary gland to produce more saliva and thereby increasing flow of saliva. Your dentist may also recommend oral rinse or artificial saliva to maintain the moisture level.