How to Prevent: Know Your Dry Mouth Symptoms & Prevention

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Dry Mouth Symptoms & Prevention
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition that affects about one in four to five adults, especially women.

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is caused mainly due to lack of saliva to keep the mouth moist.

A decrease in the secretion of saliva from the salivary glands, causing this condition.

Xerostomia typically occurs in young adulthood (about 20 years) and elderly (60-80 years).

Here are 6 common symptoms of xerostomia:

1. Sticky and dry feeling in the mouth and tongue

2. Chapped lips

3. Difficulty in chewing, swallowing, tasting, or speaking

4. mouth sores

5. Bad breath

6. Dentures so uncomfortable

Saliva helps in chewing, swallowing and digesting food. Saliva also protects teeth from decay by washing away food scraps, sugar and acids produced by bacteria.

When the lack of saliva, such as dry mouth condition, then this condition can lead to health risks as follows:

1. Less water will lower the pH of saliva mouth (the mouth more acidic) thus increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and mouth infections.

2. Dry mouth can cause a burning sensation or pain in the mouth or throat; decreased sensitivity to the taste of food; dentures become loose; difficulty in chewing, swallowing and even talking.

The following actions can prevent dry mouth or xerostomia conditions:

1. Sleeping with open mouth causes dry mouth in the morning. Wherever possible nasal breathing during sleep.

2. Using dry mouth prevention products. To be safe, consult with your doctor about the most appropriate product.

3. Maintain oral hygiene. Brush your teeth and gargle regularly. Also use dental floss (dental floss).

4. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.

5. Avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption.