Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common symptom of hundreds of medications and some underlying medical disorders. While at home measures may be helpful, more severe cases can require more excessive treatments. Although dry mouth may seem like a simple thing, it can cause a lot of problems. Here are a few terms to help you understand the consequences of dry mouth.
- Cheilitis: Cheilitis is an uncomfortable issue in which the lips become cracked and swollen. Dry mouth does not affect only the inner mouth, and so can cause cheilitis as well. Using chapstick and breathing through your nose as much as possible may minimize cheilitis.
- Glossodynia: As the internal anatomy of the mouth begins to dry out, the tongue may be affected as well. Glossodynia refers to the pain that can occur to the tongue from lack of moisture and saliva. Sores or ulcers may also form on the mouth, and it can be extremely uncomfortable.
- Thrush: Without the antibacterial properties of saliva, the oral tissue becomes more susceptible to infections. Thrush is a fungal yeast infection that occurs in the mouth. It appears as a white coating on the tongue and cheeks, and can be itchy and bothersome when the fungal organisms run rampant in the mouth. In severe cases, it may spread to the throat, roof of the mouth, and even tonsils.
- Sialadenitis: Sialadenitis is an infection of the salivary glands. Although not the only cause, hyposecretion (slower than normal) of saliva can essentially cause the glands to become infected. It can cause swelling and pain, along with a fever. In some cases, pus can actually be expressed from the gland. Culturing this pus can help medical staff discover what kind of bacteria has developed there.
- Dysgeusia: Dry mouth can also interfere with eating and drinking. In addition to insufficient moisture making chewing and swallowing difficult, dysgeusia may develop. Dysgeusia refers to taste disorders. Specifically, dry mouth may cause things to taste different than they used to.
- Gingivitis: Dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay as well as gum disease. Gingivitis is the preliminary stage of periodontal disease. Plaque forms under the gum line, eventually becoming a more stubborn substance called calculus that cannot be removed by brushing or flossing. Annual dental cleanings are usually sufficient enough to manage such symptoms, but you may find you need this more frequently in order to keep your gums healthy if you have dry mouth.
- Chlorhexidine: There are several non-alcohol mouth wash varieties specifically for those who suffer from dry mouth. A chlorhexidine rinse, however, is a different type of mouthwash your doctor may recommend. Chlorhexidine is a very strong, efficient antimicrobial agent that can help reduce excessive bacteria in a dry mouth with extra amounts of dangerous microorganisms.
- Secretagogue: Secretagogues are types of medication that stimulate the production of saliva -- assuming the appropriate tissues and glands are still present. Secretagogue therapy involves using medications, such as pilocarpine or cevimeline, to do just that. However, they are only appropriate for certain causal factors. Not all cases of dry mouth are severe enough to require secretagogue therapy.
- Sjogren's syndrome: Dry mouth can be a symptom of an autoimmune disorder. Sjogren’s syndrome, in particular, is known for causing dry mouth. The salivary and lachrymal glands responsible for saliva and tears break down over time, eventually causing dry mouth and interfering with tear production. If your doctor thinks you have Sjogren’s syndrome, a biopsy from the salivary glands may be necessary for diagnosis.
- Salivary stimulants: In moderate cases of dry mouth, using at home measures may be sufficient to reduce symptoms. For example, chewing sugar free gum or letting sugar free mints and candies melt on your tongue may act as salivary stimulants, encouraging the mouth to produce more saliva. Salivary substitutes, on the other hand, are a range of over the counter sprays and gels that provide temporary moisture to the oral tissue.
