Treatment For Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is the result of a decrease in the amount of saliva. This condition may be linked to dehydration, use of medications such as antihistamines and atropine, radiation therapy involving the salivary glands, vitamin deficiency, and anxiety. Other conditions not related to the salivary glands at all can also lead to dry mouth such as damage to the nerves in the mouth resulting from head trauma, surgery in the neck area, or wounds. Stroke or Alzheimer’s disease can also change a person’s ability to feel sensations in the mouth. Doctors call this condition hyposalivation, xerostomia and asialorrhea.
Dry mouth can cause major health problems because it can affect how a person eats, and thus cause nutritional deficiencies. The mouth becomes crusty, parched and sensitive making it hard for the person to acidic or spicy foods. Even drinking orange juice can be a challenge since the acid will sting the sores that usually develop in the dry parts in the mouth. Chewing and swallowing will be difficult if there is less saliva to help moisten and soften food. The quality and taste of food is also perceived to be poor by people with dry mouth, thus decreasing their appetite. Dry mouth can also contribute to tooth decay and other serious infections of the mouth that can lead to bad breath problems.
The treatment for dry mouth depends on the underlying cause. However, there are some steps you can take to protect the overall health of your mouth and your teeth. Brushing at least once a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least twice a day are important to maintain the cleanliness of your mouth and teeth. These will keep the growth of damaging bacteria in check. You can relieve the discomforts of dry mouth and protect the soft tissues inside the mouth by taking frequent sips of plain water or any drink without sugar. Stay away from soft drinks, coffee and tea. Drinking frequently as you eat will help you in chewing and swallowing food easier and improve the taste of food. Chewing a sugarless gum will help promote the production of saliva in the mouth.

To discover additional tips about how to Eliminate Bad Breath check out http://www.bad--breath.net