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Dry mouth is a common problem that can be bothersome for many people.Medically called xerostomia, dry mouth is a condition in which the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva, leading to a feeling of dryness and discomfort in the mouth.In this article, we will take a closer look at xerostomia, its causes, symptoms, effects, diagnosis, treatments and home methods to alleviate this problem.
Dry mouth – causes
Xerostomia can have various causes.One of the main factors is the use of certain medications such as antihistamines, diuretics, hypertension medications, antidepressants and many others.Other causes are hormonal disorders, e.g. menopause in women, as well as autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms and effects of xerostomia
Symptoms of xerostomia may be various, but the most common are a feeling of dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, burning, pain and redness of the mouth, as well as problems with speaking and chewing food.The effects of xerostomia can be serious because lack of adequate saliva can lead to tooth decay, oral infections and even digestive problems.
Xerostomia diagnosis
Diagnosing xerostomia usually includes a medical interview in which the doctor asks about the patient’s symptoms and his medical history.Additionally, an examination of the oral cavity and measurement of the amount of saliva secreted may be performed.In some cases, blood tests and imaging tests are necessary to rule out other conditions.
How to treat dry mouth?treatment of xerostomia
Treatment for xerostomia depends on the cause and degree of dryness.If medications are a problem, your doctor may consider changing your medications to ones that do not cause dry mouth.In case of hormonal disorders, hormonal therapies are used.There are also anti-dryness medications that can be used in the form of gels, sprays or lozenges to increase the amount of saliva in the mouth.
Home remedies for dry mouth
For mild dry mouth, you can also use home remedies to help relieve the discomfort.You should drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks.It is also important to avoid spicy, acidic and very salty foods, which can worsen dryness.Which help increase indoor humidity, as well as avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, which can worsen dryness.
Your suggestions
If you have problems with dry mouth, it is always worth consulting a doctor who will help identify the causes and recommend appropriate treatment.Remember that xerostomia can lead to serious health problems, so do not ignore its symptoms.
Recommended articles
If you are interested in the topic of xerostomia and dry mouth, we recommend that you read our other articles on this topic.You can also consult a dentist or dentist who specializes in treating oral problems.
It is worth remembering that xerostomia can be a difficult problem to deal with, but with proper medical care and resources, the quality of life of patients suffering from dry mouth can be improved.