Thirsty, parched, cotton-mouthed – now we have loads of words to describe the sensation of a dry mouth. That’s because dry mouth will be so common. For most individuals, a hearty chug of water does the trick to “wet your whistle.” But sometimes, regardless of how much you drink, nothing quenches a dry mouth.
The sensation or sensation of a dry mouth, often called xerostomia, could be a perfectly normal response to dehydration or stress. But in some cases of chronic dry mouth, the body will not be making enough saliva, or something has altered saliva composition. Below, we’ll explore what causes dry mouth, how to remedy it and when to see a health care provider for help.
Where saliva comes from and why it’s vital
Saliva, commonly called spit, is a watery fluid that coats the mouth and keeps it moist. Although it’s 98% water, the opposite 2% of saliva consists of electrolytes, enzymes, minerals, mucus, proteins and antibacterial compounds. Saliva is integral to oral health because it prevents tooth decay and gum disease, and helps break down food as we chew it, making it easier to swallow. It is also vital for our sense of taste and our ability to speak.
Nearly all of saliva comes from three pairs of salivary glands:
- Sublingual salivary glands at the underside of the mouth
- Submandibular salivary glands under the jaw
- Parotid salivary glands in front of the ears
The saliva produced by these glands enters the mouth through branching tubes positioned under the skin called ducts. The production of saliva is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. This implies it’s automatic – we don’t have to take into consideration it. Nerves positioned in and across the face and mouth communicate with the salivary glands to make saliva when more is required.
Saliva contributes to overall health
Due to its antimicrobial properties, saliva is a vital a part of the immune system. When your mouth is exposed to germs – from the food you eat or the air you breathe – your saliva acts as a barrier. It neutralizes these germs before they will enter the remaining of your body and make you sick. At the identical time, your saliva maintains a healthy, balanced microbiome of fine bacteria in your mouth, helping to protect your teeth, gums and tongue from disease.
Uncomfortable side effects of persistent dry mouth
Having an occasional dry mouth isn’t a cause for concern beyond being a slight annoyance. In case your mouth is consistently dry, nonetheless, chances are you’ll start to notice the more severe and disruptive symptoms of xerostomia (dry mouth), like:
- Altered sense of taste
- Cracked lips and mouth corners
- Dry, textured tongue
- Hoarse voice or difficulty speaking
- Facial swelling
- Sore throat
- Thick, stringy saliva
- Trouble chewing and swallowing
When there’s not enough saliva in your mouth, unhealthy bacteria, viruses and fungus can gather and multiply, leading to:
- Bad breath
- A burning sensation within the mouth
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Frequent mouth sores
- Thrush (a yeast infection within the mouth)
Causes of dry mouth
Xerostomia is usually related to hypofunction, which is when the salivary glands produce low saliva, or the glands aren’t working accurately to produce a traditional flow or composition of saliva.
Prescription medication, smoking cigarettes and not drinking enough water are just a few of the various causes of dry mouth. Sometimes, it will be the results of several aspects.
Medication
Dry mouth is a typical side effect of several over-the-counter and prescription medicines, including:
- Antihistamines
- Blood pressure medication, like diuretics
- Decongestants
- Medicines that treat anxiety and depression, especially tricyclic antidepressants
- Muscle relaxers
- Pain relievers
- Parkinson’s disease medications
Age
It’s common for older adults to experience frequent dry mouth. It’s because, as we become old, we will change into more susceptible to the unwanted side effects from various medications, including dry mouth unwanted side effects.
The elderly are also more prone to dehydration because they could not feel thirst as acutely. Plus, the extent of sodium within the body decreases over time, and with lower sodium levels, the body doesn’t retain as much water.
Cancer treatment
Various kinds of cancer treatment can disrupt the natural balance of your mouth and cause unwanted side effects like dry mouth. For instance, radiation therapy to the pinnacle and neck can destroy the cells which are liable for producing saliva. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy or other medicinal therapies can dry out your mouth or alter the thickness of your saliva.
Talk to your cancer care team when you are experiencing dry mouth. Your doctor may prescribe or recommend mouthwashes, sprays or rinses to help alleviate discomfort and manage the unwanted side effects of the cancer treatment.
Injury, illness or infection
An injury to the pinnacle or neck area can damage the nerves that help the salivary glands function properly. Moreover, certain conditions that include nasal congestion – just like the common cold and flu or a deviated septum – can force you to breathe through your mouth. When this happens, the inhaled and exhaled air dries out the healthy coating of saliva in your mouth, leading to a dry mouth.
When bacteria and viruses (including COVID-19) invade the salivary glands and surrounding ducts, the resulting inflammation is often called sialadenitis. Sialadenitis disrupts salivary gland function and could also be accompanied by swelling, pain and fever.
Salivary stones, also often called sialoliths, will be one other wrongdoer of salivary gland swelling and, subsequently, dry mouth. Salivary stones form when the minerals contained inside saliva harden and block salivary gland ducts, increasing the likelihood of sialadenitis. There are various possible causes of salivary stones, including inadequate water consumption, certain medications and tobacco smoking.
Chronic health conditions
Persistent dry mouth is a side effect of some chronic illnesses. These include:
- Asthma – Individuals with asthma often feel as in the event that they’re not getting enough air, causing them to mouth breathe to compensate. The medication in inhalers may also dry out the mouth.
- HIV – The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can interfere together with your salivary glands and their production of saliva, making it hard to keep your mouth adequately moist. Chronic dry mouth could be a common side effect of early HIV infection.
- Hepatitis C virus – Early infection with the hepatitis C virus can include mild symptoms, or no symptoms in any respect. Symptoms change into more noticeable once the infection becomes chronic. Dry mouth could be a symptom of chronic HCV if the hep C virus causes inflammation within the salivary glands.
- Sjogren’s syndrome – As an autoimmune disease, Sjogren’s syndrome involves the immune system attacking fluid-producing glands throughout the body, including the salivary glands. This hinders their ability to make adequate saliva.
- Diabetes – Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, can dry out the mouth, although doctors aren’t yet sure why. Managing your blood sugar levels can assist you avoid this and other unwanted side effects of diabetes.
- Thyroid disease – Each hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) can interfere with the body’s hormone balance. This could affect the salivary glands and lead to dry mouth.
Also, the issues with swallowing that many individuals experience after a stroke may cause dry mouth.
Dehydration
A dry mouth is one in every of the primary signs that your body is becoming dehydrated. Do not forget that saliva is 98% water, and once you’re dehydrated, your body doesn’t have enough water to make as much saliva as you would like. Be certain to drink water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, especially when you’re lively or spending time in hot weather.
Alcohol, tobacco and drug use
Drinking alcohol and using tobacco or other recreational drugs, like marijuana, may cause or exacerbate dry mouth and worsen any oral health problems. If you happen to’re affected by dry mouth, avoid alcohol, tobacco and marijuana.
In some cases, relieving a dry mouth is so simple as making just a few lifestyle changes.
Drink enough water every day
Avoid dehydration and prevent dry mouth by drinking water throughout the day. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, men need 3.7 liters of water and women need 2.7 liters every day to stay adequately hydrated. But that number can change based in your individual activity level and how much you sweat.
Spray water into your mouth
Those experiencing salivary hypofunction (inadequate saliva production or dysfunctional salivary glands) might want to swish with water or use a small spray bottle or atomizer to spray water of their mouths. This helps you to moisten the oral tissue without swallowing what saliva you might have.
Try to breathe through your nose, not your mouth
Make a concerted effort to breathe mostly through your nose, especially at night, to avoid drying out your mouth. Respiration through your nose at night means you won’t get up with a mouth that’s bone dry, and you would possibly find that you just’re more well rested. This will be tricky to do during sleep when you’re accustomed to mouth respiratory. So try elevating your head with a pillow, positioning yourself in your side in bed, and ensuring nothing is obstructing your sinuses or nasal passages.
If respiratory through your nose seems difficult or unattainable, you might have a deviated septum. Your primary care provider might help diagnose your respiratory challenges, and refer you for specialised ear, nose and throat (ENT) treatment, if needed.
Use a humidifier in your own home
Dry air could make for a dry mouth. Keep the air in your own home, especially your bedroom, at a snug moisture level – around 30-50% humidity – with a humidifier. Place the humidifier on the nightstand, ideally, or other spots close to where you sleep.
Massage the salivary glands
Using massage techniques on the salivary glands can increase the flow of saliva naturally. With two fingers, apply gentle pressure starting on the lower front of the ear and sliding along the cheek, just below the cheekbone. Do the identical directly under the jawbone, moving fingers from back to front.
Eat foods and liquids that stimulate saliva production
As well as to water, certain foods – like sugar-free gum, popsicles or lozenges – help us salivate greater than others. And when now we have dry mouth, this is precisely what we’d like. You could also find it helpful to chew on ice.
Avoid certain drying foods and drinks
You might help prevent dry mouth by avoiding spicy, acidic and hot foods, and refraining from foods which are crunchy, chewy, hard or dry. This also includes foods that absorb saliva, like breads and crackers, and diuretics like coffee. Select a weight-reduction plan that consists mostly of sentimental, bland foods with a high liquid content, like soups, stews and meals with gravy or other sauces.
Try artificial saliva
There are several brands of over-the-counter artificial saliva available to temporarily relieve the symptoms of dry mouth. While artificial saliva can provide a protective layer of moisture over mouth tissue, it doesn’t stimulate the salivary glands. Plus, artificial saliva is missing the useful compounds that aid in oral health and digestion.
When to see a health care provider or dentist for dry mouth treatment
If you happen to are experiencing persistent dry mouth, chances are you’ll want to see your primary care doctor or a dentist. Make an appointment if:
- Scaly white patches appear inside your mouth
- Your mouth starts to burn or sting
- Swallowing becomes very difficult
Your doctor or dentist might help determine the underlying reason for your dry mouth and work with you to create a customized treatment plan that might include special mouthwashes or oral sprays to encourage saliva production. Your primary care provider can refer you to a specialist or suggest alternative treatments in case your prescription medicine is the rationale behind your dry mouth.
Chronic dry mouth is greater than just uncomfortable – it might be your body telling you that something more is occurring. Concentrate to the signals your body is sending and talk to a health care provider in case your symptoms don’t go away over time.