What is Xerostomia? When Saliva Goes Missing
Editors note: This post was originally published in July 2018, and has been updated with additional content in September 2024.
What is xerostomia (dry mouth)? Do you ever wake up and feel like you’ve been sucking on a cotton ball? Or that you just crossed the Sahara Desert without taking enough water? Everyone deals with a dry mouth occasionally. At night, the glands in your mouth don’t produce as much saliva and little moisture flows into your mouth. Plus, mouth-breathing often dries you out a bit more. But as you wake up, saliva glands start pumping the first of 50 ounces of daily fluid supporting the first step of digestion. Soon everything feels back to normal
But what if you’re amongst the 10% of the population that deals with persistent dry mouth, also called xerostomia? No matter what you do, your mouth feels parched most of the time. Good saliva flow is easy to take for granted, until you no longer have it. And for millions of people, the loss of mouth moisture is a serious quality-of-life issue.
Saliva is 99.5% water, but it also contains a host of components that support your health. Key enzymes, suspended in a mucous matrix that lubricates the mouth, comprise the first step in digestion. Other enzymes that destroy bacteria join the complex environment supported by healthy salivary flow. Electrolytes, along with specialized compounds like opiorphin, a pain-killing substance, help support a system that’s easy to take for granted when it works right. Furthermore, saliva helps buffer against acidity, a state that leaves teeth dangerously susceptible to rapid tooth decay and gum disease.
What Causes Xerostomia?
Numerous causes lurk behind the scenes to hinder the reliable production of saliva. A few of the most potential causes to consider include:
- Medications: Xerostomia is a frustrating side effect of nearly 500 medications! The medications you’re taking can significantly impact saliva production. Frequently patients taking multiple prescriptions compound the problem even further. For many patients, this is a catch-22: The medicine is necessary, but the side effects create other problems.
- Disease and Medical Conditions: Dry mouth accompanies a range of conditions including Sjogren’s Syndrome, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and others.
- Cancer Treatment: Radiation to the head and neck area can damage salivary glands leading to a permanent reduction in production. Some types of chemotherapy may alter moisture levels also.
Nerve Damage: Surgery or an injury to specific nerves may cause dry mouth.
If any of these possibilities could be behind your dry mouth problems, definitive solutions may be difficult to find.
What are the Symptoms of Dry Mouth?
Common xerostomia symptoms include:
- A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth: This is often the most noticeable symptom, leading to discomfort and difficulty in speaking.
- Frequent thirst: Individuals may feel a constant need to drink water due to the lack of moisture.
- Sores in the mouth: This includes sores or split skin at the corners of the mouth, which can be painful.
- Dry throat: A persistent dry sensation in the throat can accompany dry mouth.
- Burning or tingling sensation: Many people experience a burning feeling in their mouths, particularly on the tongue.
- Dry, red, or raw tongue: The tongue may appear dry and irritated.
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or tasting food: The lack of saliva can make these activities challenging.
- Hoarseness and dry nasal passages: Dryness can extend beyond the mouth to the throat and nasal areas.
- Bad breath (halitosis): A lack of saliva can lead to an increase in bacteria, contributing to bad breath.
Preventing Tooth Decay From Dry Mouth
- Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist and help wash away food particles and bacteria. Aim for at least 2 to 3 liters daily, even if you don’t feel particularly thirsty.
- 2. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
- Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies can stimulate saliva flow, which is crucial for neutralizing acids and protecting against tooth decay. Look for products containing xylitol, which can further help prevent cavities.
- 3. Use Fluoride Products
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and consider using fluoride rinses or gels as recommended by your dentist. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.
- 4. Avoid Sugary and Acidic Foods
- Limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and beverages, as these can exacerbate tooth decay. Instead, focus on soft, moist foods that are easier to chew and swallow.
- 5. Regular Dental Checkups
- Schedule regular dental visits (at least twice a year) for cleanings and checkups. Your dentist can monitor your dental health and recommend additional fluoride treatments if necessary.
- 6. Use Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
- Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as they can further dry out your mouth. Opt for alcohol-free options designed for dry mouth relief.
- 7. Breathe Through Your Nose
- If possible, breathe through your nose instead of your mouth, especially at night, to help retain moisture in your mouth.
- 8. Consider Saliva Substitutes
- Over-the-counter saliva substitutes can provide temporary relief from dry mouth symptoms and help keep your mouth moist.
- 9. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol
- Reduce consumption of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as they can contribute to dehydration and worsen dry mouth symptoms.
- By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage dry mouth symptoms and significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay associated with this condition. If you continue to experience issues with dry mouth, consult your dentist or healthcare provider for further evaluation and tailored treatment options.
Treatment For Dry Mouth – What Can I Do?
There are a few tips that will help you reduce both the discomfort and risk associated with xerostomia. Consider the following:
- Medication Changes: It’s rarely a good idea to drop your prescribed medications to eliminate dry mouth problems. And you certainly wouldn’t want to make changes without consulting your physician. But there may be useful alternatives to explore. Be sure to talk it over with your doctor.
- New Medications: While you’re talking to your doctor, you might explore the possibility of using a prescription that stimulates saliva production. They’re not for everyone, but ask for more information in regards to your situation.
- Drink Water: Dry mouth or not, most of us don’t hydrate enough. Carry water with you everywhere and sip freely…all the time.
- Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: When you’re parched, you don’t need any extra hindrance. Avoid these dehydrating products.
- Try Oracoat Xylimelts, saliva substitutes, or other products: Xylimelts, placed in your cheek like a lifesaver, dissolve slowly and add moisture to your mouth. But DON’T use other types of candies! They can promote tooth decay, while Xylimelts protect against decay.
Many other tricks will help you adapt to the challenges of xerostomia. The Timothy A. Hess, DDS team will help customize solutions that increase your comfort and decrease your risk of dental problems associated with a dry mouth. If you’re still asking yourself, “What is xerostomia?”, contact our team today!
