Ultima modifica 4 April 2025
Xerostomia – Grimaldi Dental Center
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a condition where the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. This can be a side effect of certain medications, an aging-related issue, or the result of radiation therapies for cancer. Less frequently, dry mouth can be caused by a condition that directly affects the salivary glands.
Symptoms of Xerostomia
include dryness or a sticky feeling in the mouth, thick and stringy saliva, bad breath, difficulty chewing, speaking, and swallowing, dry or sore throat and hoarseness, dry or grooved tongue, altered sense of taste, and problems with denture use.
Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. These glands may not function properly due to medications, aging, cancer therapy, nerve damage, and other health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, yeast infection in the mouth, Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome or HIV/AIDS. Snoring and breathing with an open mouth can also contribute to dry mouth.
Over-the-counter medications can cause Xerostomia as a side effect. These include antihistamines and decongestants, commonly used to treat cold, allergy, and sinusitis symptoms. These drugs can reduce saliva production, leading to a dry mouth. Additionally, some products containing caffeine or alcohol can cause dryness and irritation in the mouth. Tobacco, whether smoked or chewed, can also dry and irritate the mouth.
Complications of Xerostomia
include increased plaque, tooth decay and gum disease, oral lesions, oral candidiasis, lesions or cracked skin at the corners of the mouth, or chapped lips, poor nutrition due to problems with chewing and swallowing.
Treatment for Xerostomia depends on the cause.
The doctor or dentist might change medications that cause dry mouth, recommend products to moisturize the mouth, prescribe a medication that stimulates saliva, or protect the teeth. There are also some home remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth.
If you have noticed persistent signs and symptoms of dry mouth, it is advisable to make an appointment with your dentist. Remember, treatment for dry mouth depends on the cause. If the cause is related to a medication you are taking, it may be possible to change the medication or dosage. If dry mouth is caused by a medical condition that causes damage to the salivary glands, treatment will focus on minimizing symptoms and protecting the teeth.
