Dry Mouth

dry-mouth

What is Dry Mouth?

There are three pairs of major salivary glands — parotid, sublingual and submandibular. Each gland has its own tube (duct) leading from the gland to the mouth. Dry mouth, also called xerostomia (zeer-o-STOE-me-uh), is when the salivary glands in the mouth don't make enough saliva to keep the mouth wet

  • A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
  • Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting, or speaking
  • A burning or itchy feeling in the mouth or throat
  • A dry feeling in the throat
  • Cracked lips
  • A dry, rough, red, 'hairy', or deeply fissured/cracked appearance
  • Mouth sores
  • Recurrent infections of the mouth or the throat

Dry mouth can happen to anyone occasionally—for example, when nervous or stressed. However, when dry mouth persists, it can make chewing, swallowing, and even talking difficult. Dry mouth also increases the risk for tooth decay or fungal infections in the mouth because saliva helps keep harmful germs in check.

  • Medicines
  • Aging
  • Cancer therapy
  • Nerve damage
  • Other health conditions
  • Snoring and mouth breathing
  • Tobacco and alcohol use
  • Use of legal or illegal drugs that may be sold on the streets
  • Water. Sip water throughout the day.
  • Humidifier.
  • A Water Spray Bottle.
  • Sugarless Candy, Lozenges, or Gum.
  • More Moisture at Mealtime.
  • Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol.
  • Alcohol-free Mouthwashes.
  • Saliva Substitutes.

Hundreds of medicines can cause the salivary glands to make less saliva. For example, medicines for high blood pressure, depression, and bladder-control issues often cause dry mouth. Disease. Sjögren's disease, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes can all cause dry mouth.

How is it diagnosed?

How is it diagnosed?

Frequently sipping water or other sugar-free fluids, chewing sugar-free gum and using artificial saliva products may help to keep the mouth moist. A room humidifier may also help.

Seeking Medical Care

See a doctor immediately if you Suddenly develop dry mouth Also urinate frequently or have infections Make an appointment to see a doctor if you Experience constant dry mouth Have trouble chewing, speaking or swallowing Find it difficult to wear dentures Develop excessive tooth decay

How is it treated?

Treatment for acute myeloid leukemia is vital. It varies with the patient and stage of the disease. Treatment options include

  • Prescription-strength dry mouth lozenges like Sorbitol (Numoisyn®).
  • Saliva production stimulators like Cevimeline (Evoxac®) and Pilocarpine (Salagen®).
  • Surgical salivary gland repair (less common).

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