Dry Mouth
DRY MOUTH (XEROSTOMIA)
Xerostomia, also known as Dry Mouth, is something a lot of people with Fibromyalgia suffer with. It is a condition where the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist.
Saliva is important to us because it helps prevent tooth decay by neutralising acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. It also makes it easier to chew and swallow foods and its enzymes aid digestion as well.
Salivary glands many not be working correctly as the result of:
- Medications
- Cancer Therapy
- Ageing
- Nerve Damage
- Other Health conditions
- Tobacco and Alcohol use
- Recreational Drug use
You may have also noticed some of the following Symptoms and signs that you are not producing enough saliva:
- Saliva that is thick and stringy
- Bad Breath
- A change in your sense of taste
- Dryness or a feeling of stickiness in the mouth
- Problems wearing Dentures
- A dry or sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty with chewing, speaking, or swallowing
- A grooved, dry tongue
Overtime not producing enough saliva could lead to:
- Mouth Sores
- Yeast infections in the mouth
- Split skin at the corners of the mouth
- Cracked lips
- Increased plague, decay, and gum disease
That is why it is important to get treatment for the condition as soon as you can.
You will need to visit both your doctor and dentist to find out what is causing dry mouth.
Your doctor should review your medication and change anything that could be causing a problem, they may also prescribe salvia production medication as well.
Your dentist may recommend products such as mouthwashes to moisturise the mouth and may also fit you for fluoride trays which you fill with fluoride and wear at night.
As well as following the advice from your doctor and dentist there are things you can do yourself to help dry mouth.
Start by avoiding products that can make symptoms worse. They include:
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Over the counter Antihistamines
- Over the counter Decongestants
- Sugary or Acidic Foods
Things that may help include:
- Sip water or sugar free drinks to moisten your mouth
- Chew sugar free gum
- Try over the counter saliva substitutes that contain Xylitol
- Breath through your nose not your mouth
- Add moisture to your bedroom at night with a room humidifier
- Moisture your lips to prevent cracks and spits
- Use a Fluoride Toothpaste
- Visit your dentist regularly
Saliva is important to maintain the health of both your teeth and mouth and a lack of it leading to dry mouth can be just a nuisance or could be something that has a big impact on your general health and Fibro symptoms, so it is always worth dealing with as soon as you think something is not right.
THE LINK TO OUR RESEARCH
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-mouth/symptoms-causes/syc-20356048
THE LINK TO OUR SOURCES
THE REASON FOR USING THESE RESOURCES
To better understand about the condition Dry Mouth and learn how to manage and control it.