Xerostomia

Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, is a medical condition characterized by a decrease in the production of saliva. This can lead to a range of symptoms and complications, including difficulty swallowing, speaking, and tasting food.

Causes

• Medications: Many medications can cause xerostomia as a side effect, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications.
• Aging: Saliva production tends to decrease with age, making older adults more prone to xerostomia.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as Sjögren's syndrome, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause xerostomia.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy to the head and neck can damage the salivary glands, leading to xerostomia.
• Nerve Damage: Damage to the nerves that control saliva production can also cause xerostomia.

Symptoms

• Dryness or stickiness in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Difficulty speaking (dysarthria)
• Changes in taste or smell
• Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease
• Cracked lips and mouth sores

Diagnosis

Xerostomia is typically diagnosed based on a physical examination, medical history, and symptoms. A doctor may also perform tests to measure saliva production, such as:

• Sialometry: Measures the amount of saliva produced over a certain period.
• Saliva flow test: Measures the rate at which saliva flows into the mouth.

Treatment

Treatment for xerostomia depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Medications: Cholinergic agents, such as pilocarpine, can stimulate saliva production.
• Saliva substitutes: Artificial saliva products can help moisturize the mouth and relieve symptoms.
• Good oral hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
• Stimulating saliva production: Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candy can stimulate saliva production.

Complications

If left untreated, xerostomia can lead to a range of complications, including:

• Tooth decay and gum disease: Decreased saliva production can increase the risk of oral infections.
• Mouth sores and ulcers: Dry mouth can cause irritation and inflammation in the mouth.
• Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing can lead to malnutrition and dehydration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is xerostomia?
Dry mouth syndrome.

What causes xerostomia?
Reduced saliva production.

What are common symptoms of xerostomia?
Dryness, thirst, difficulty swallowing.

Can medications cause xerostomia?
Yes, certain medications.

Is xerostomia related to aging?
Often occurs in older adults.

Can radiation therapy cause xerostomia?
Yes, especially for head and neck cancer.

How is xerostomia diagnosed?
Medical history, physical exam, saliva tests.

Can xerostomia increase risk of tooth decay?
Yes, due to reduced saliva.

Are there treatments for xerostomia?
Saliva substitutes, stimulants, and lifestyle changes.

Can drinking water help alleviate xerostomia symptoms?
Temporarily, but not a long-term solution.