Dry mouth can lead to serious problems if left untreated. Inadequate functioning of the salivary glands leads to dry mouth (xerostomia). Due to insufficient amount of saliva, excessive accumulation of food and bacterial plaque may occur on the tooth surface.
This may cause tooth decay, gum inflammation and nutritional disorders. In addition, nutritional disorders may occur because dry mouth causes difficulty in chewing and swallowing.
Dry mouth may occur as a side effect of blood pressure, allergies, the use of medications such as antidepressants, painkillers, and radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Symptoms such as ongoing sore throat, burning in the tongue, frequent thirst, bad breath, difficulty in speaking, difficulty in using dentures, taste disturbance, cracking of lips and lip edges can lead to dry mouth (xerostomia). ) may indicate.
While insufficiency in the amount of saliva causes a decrease in some minerals such as calcium and phosphate in the saliva structure, the deficiency of these minerals may cause an increase in tooth decay. For this reason, dry mouth should not be taken lightly and a dentist should be consulted.
Causes of dry mouth:
- Biological old age: An effective factor alone. not effective.
- Systemic diseases: Rheumatic diseases,
- Immune system damage (AIDS), Hormonal disorders (diabetes mellitus), > Neurological disorders (Parkinson's),
- Decreased chewing ability,
- Surgical removal of salivary glands,
- Radiotherapy ( Radiation causes permanent damage to the salivary glands),
- Drugs (More than 400 types of drugs cause dry mouth: decongestants, diuretics, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, antihistamines),
- Caffeine and alcohol consumption.
Dry MouthHow to control dry mouth?
- Frequently You should drink sips of water. Liquid drinks and water should be kept next to you when going to bed at night,
- Sugar-free gum should be chewed,
- Smoking, alcohol and sugary foods should be avoided,
- Oil. The humidity of the mentioned place should be adjusted,
- If necessary, artificial saliva tablets available from pharmacies should be used,
- Bacterial plaque should be controlled,
- Fluoride toothpaste, gel, mouthwash should be used. ,
- Vitamin C should be used.
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