LIVE 24-SEVEN
DRY MOUTH – THE FACTS XEROSTOMIA
We all get a dry mouth occasionally due to dehydration, too much booze or by simply sleeping with our mouth open! Unfortunately dry mouth can be a chronic problem for some people and can affect their day to day life. Current research estimates that one in four adults can suffer from the condition and this rises to 40% in the over 55’s which makes the condition one of the most common oral health problems. Here are some facts to help us understand it better and advice on how to manage it.
1) Dry mouth or “xerostomia” is a condition that affects the flow of saliva, causing the mouth to feel dry. 2) We need saliva for the mouth to function properly. Saliva helps to break down food when we swallow, keeps our mouth moist and neutralises plaque acids which fights tooth decay and keeps our mouths cleansed. 3) It makes it hard to taste and eat dry foods. It can also give you bad breath and affect speech. 4) It is worse during the night when the mouth produces less saliva. It can also make the mouth sore with higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
5) It can be caused as a result of old age or quite often a side effect of medication – especially blood pressure, heart and depression tablets. 6) In some cases it can be a direct result of a medical condition such as diabetes, lupus and blocked salivary glands.
Currently there is no way of preventing the problem although there are products that can ease the symptoms. The following tips will help you manage it.
1) Visit the dentist regularly as there is a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. 2) There are a number of gels and sprays available to help keep the mouth moist and comfortable. Take advice from your dentist or hygienist. 3) Use a higher concentration of fluoride toothpaste which should contain 1350 to 1500ppm of fluoride. 4) Chewing sugar free gum encourages salivaproduction. Your dental team might recommend rinses, gels and lozenges which you can get from a chemist. It is important to use sugar free products as dry mouth can make you more prone to tooth decay. 5) Sipping water regularly helps in the short term.
If you would like any further help or advice please feel free to call the Mayhill on 01600 712020 or email
info@themayhill.co.uk
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LIVE24-SEVEN.COM
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