Q: What is xerostomia?
A: Xerostomia, pronounced zero-STO-me-uh, is the medical term for a condition colloquially called "dry mouth." The condition is a result of the mouth not generating enough saliva. It can have a number of harmful effects. Among them are:
- Tooth decay and periodontal, or gum, disease. Without the cleansing benefit of saliva, food particles and resultant bacteria will stay in the mouth, contributing to decay and gum infection.
- Bad breath, also called halitosis, resulting from the loss of the antiseptic function of saliva.
- Dentures, particularly full dentures, not being as stable as they should be since they depend on a thin film of saliva to adhere properly.
- The sense of taste being altered or diminished.
- A general irritation of the soft tissue in the mouth, leading to inflammation, pain and the possibility of infection.
The condition is more common in older patients. Increasing fluid intake can help, as can chewing sugar-free gum. A number of over-the-counter oral rinses and artificial saliva products also are available. The best thing to do, though, is to talk with your dentist about ways to address dry mouth.
|
Top
