What are causes of dry mouth? We tell you how to treat and stimulate salivation

What are causes of dry mouth? We tell you how to treat and stimulate salivation
What is dry mouth? What are symptoms? What is effect?

When you have little or no saliva in your mouth, not only does it affect your thirst, saliva helps you taste and digest what you eat and drink. It "washes" food particles from teeth, reducing retention of food debris and reducing "acidity" that causes cavities.

Dry mouth

Lack of saliva can make skin inside and outside mouth dry and tight. Your lips may become chapped, corners of your mouth may develop sores, and your tongue may become rough and dry, which can also affect your ability to swallow and speak.

What are causes of dry mouth? We tell you how to treat and stimulate salivation

Embarrassing "side effects"

Because of lack of saliva, there is no liquid to "flush" food debris and debris in mouth. Food leftovers ferment for a long time, so people with dry mouth often develop bad breath. If you use lipstick, it may end up on your teeth because there is nothing to remove it with. The cause may be hoarseness or itching in throat and dry mouth.

Take care of your teeth

Lack of saliva can be bad for your teeth. Regular dental checkups are essential if you have dry mouth. Thread daily. If you can't brush your teeth after eating, wash them off. Drink water frequently and use an alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash daily.

What are causes of dry mouth? We tell you how to treat and stimulate salivation
What causes "dry mouth"?

1. Drugs cause dry mouth

Over 400 medications can cause dry mouth, including over-the-counter remedies for allergies and cold symptoms. Prescription medications for high blood pressure, overactive bladder, and mental health issues can also cause high blood pressure. Radiation can damage salivary glands, and chemotherapy can cause saliva to thicken, making mouth feel dry.

2. Nerve damage leads to "dry mouth"

Nerve damage from a head or neck injury can cause dry mouth. Some nerves carry messages between brain and salivary glands. If these nerves are damaged, such as from an injury, a car accident, etc., they may not be able to tell salivary glands to produce saliva.

What are causes of dry mouth? We tell you how to treat and stimulate salivation

3. Autoimmune diseases cause dry mouth

Dry mouth can be caused by a condition called Saint-Gren's syndrome. This is an autoimmune disease in which white blood cells attack body's lacrimal and salivary glands. People with diabetes or AIDS may also experience dry mouth.

4. Smoking causes dry mouth

There are many reasons to quit smoking, and dry mouth is one of them. Smoking does not in itself cause dry mouth, but smoking or cigars, or using pipes or other tobacco products, even smokeless products, can cause dry mouth symptoms to "worse" further.

What are causes of dry mouth? We tell you how to treat and stimulate salivation
How to treat "dry mouth"?

If you have persistent dry mouth, it is recommended that you go to a regular hospital to find out cause of "dry mouth". Only after finding cause can cause be treated. For example,

1. If dry mouth is caused by medication, you can change type or dosage of medication under direction of your doctor, which may provide some relief from dry mouth symptoms.

2. If you are not taking drug that caused disease, your symptoms may indicate an undiagnosed disease, such as Saint-Gren's syndrome or diabetes, so monitoring and treating an autoimmune disease is imperative.

3. If "dry mouth" is caused by nerve damage, you can take some vitamin B to nourish nerves.

4. Finally, if you are a "smoker", remember to stop smoking on time.

What are causes of dry mouth? We tell you how to treat and stimulate salivation

Other tips to help relieve dry mouth

  • Regular drinking of water will help keep your mouth moist.
  • Drinking water or milk with meals keeps you hydrated and helps you chew and swallow.
  • Sleep in a room with a humidifier and you'll feel better in morning.
  • Avoid sugary, acidic or caffeinated drinks.
  • Visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.
  • A few tips to increase salivation

  • Talk to your doctor to see if medication can help.
  • This can be achieved by cutting or chewing sugar-free gum.
  • OTC medicines can relieve symptoms of dry mouth.