Ill Effects Of Dry Mouth

For people who have constant dry mouth, i.e the feeling of insufficient saliva in mouth, it's more than an irritation. It is an indication that the salivary glands are not functioning correctly. Besides affecting the teeth, it also affects speech, digestion, benefit of certain foods, swallowing and chewing. Dry mouth which is called xerostomia can be a source for cavities. Many individuals may feel dry mouth occasionally if they are under stress or nervous.

On the other hand, constant dry mouth is abnormal. It is not a factor of aging and so it is not good. The food particles in the mouth get washed away by saliva. The saliva works as a neutralizer for the acids in the mouth that cause decomposing of tooth enamel. So saliva is very important and without it, the tendency for teeth to get cavities is larger.

The mouth is more prone to fungal and bacterial infections without the secretion of saliva. Saliva has enzymes for digestion and is essential for re-mineralization of enamel. Symptoms of dry mouth include a burning, sticky and dry feeling in the mouth. An individual may also have a feeling of thirst because the throat may also become dry. The tongue may feel rough and dry and the lips may split.

At times the person may have difficulty in speaking, tasting, swallowing or even chewing. There may be sores or an infection in the mouth. Bad breath is a common occurrence. Causes of dry mouth are very often side effects of some medicines or from breathing through your mouth while sleeping. Other reasons for the salivary glands not working well are nerve damage, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, diabetes or diseases like AIDS/HIV.

Dry mouth can also be caused due to consumption of alcohol, tobacco chewing and smoking. Depending on the cause of dry mouth, there are a range of treatments available for the same. If a person has a habit of sleeping on their back then there are gadgets to keep the mouth closed. They consist of an oral vestibular guard and a chin band that prevents the opening of mouth.

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