While most people may experience a dry mouth from time to time, certain medications and disorders can make dry mouth a chronic difficulty in many people. Also called xerostomia, dry mouth is ultimately the result of salivary glands that aren’t working efficiently. Here’s a look at the symptoms of xerostomia.
The Purpose of Spit
The salivary glands are extremely important oral health. The 2% of saliva that isn't just water contains a lot of important substances with key functions. From enzymes and electrolytes to antibacterial matter, it does a lot more than just drool. Perhaps one of its most important functions is to help not just with chewing and swallowing but with actually digesting by breaking down certain starches.
Many of the symptoms of dry mouth have to do with eating and nutrition. The difficulty that comes with swallowing food and a dry mouth can actually make you less inclined to eat, and so xerostomia can actually contribute to malnutrition. Furthermore, you may notice a change in the way things taste and even have difficulty speaking. In addition to its absence, the saliva that is present may seem thick or stringy.
The Presence of Infection and Injury
Dry mouth tends to create not only the feeling of dryness in the mouth, but you may also notice a sticky sensation that descends into the throat. In addition to its digestive functions, saliva is a protective measure for the tongue, mouth, and throat. Without enough of it, oral tissue becomes more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections, such as thrush. Thrush is a yeast infection that appears on the tongue as a white coating. The salivary glands themselves can even become infected.
In addition to this, the mouth may become more susceptible to injury and irritation. The lips and corners of the mouth may become cracked and dry. The tongue may become thick, stiff, or inflamed. Sores, or ulcers, may develop not only on the tongue, but on the tissue covering the inside of the cheeks. Your throat may become sore.
The Effect of Dry Mouth on the Teeth
The soft tissues of the mouth are not the only oral structures to be impacted by dry mouth. Xerostomia can also make life difficult for your teeth. Without enough spit to move food and other particles or microbes out of the mouth, the teeth may become more subject to decay. Sugar especially can be damaging, particularly if you use gum or candies to try to stimulate extra saliva. You may develop gum diseases, like gingivitis, more easily as plaque builds up in greater measure.
Furthermore, dentures can be more difficult to manage, because dry mouth will make you more susceptible to sores caused by dentures, make it difficult to keep dentures in place, and your tongue may stick to the structure or the roof of your mouth. Bad breath is another common side effect of dry mouth. Your dentist may notice you have dry mouth before you do, by the appearance of the mouth and if insufficient saliva gathers beneath the tongue during procedures. However, if you have noticed problems, talk to your doctor or dentist about your options.
