Xerostomia

Xerostomia (dry mouth) is a medical condition which arises due to biological aging, complications of medications being taken, on-going medical treatment, or any combination thereof.  Persons being treated for autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes, Sjogren’s Syndrome, or Parkinson’s disease are particularly susceptible to Xerostomia.

This condition affects individuals in varying degrees of severity: ranging from a minor annoyance to severe debilitation.  Additional oral problems including tooth decay, pyorrhea (gum disease), and other diseases of the mouth are frequently present.

The salivary system prevents the overabundance of harmful bacteria which keeps the teeth and gums healthy.  Saliva protects the dental environments by mechanically cleansing the oral cavity, and buffering and neutralizing acids produced by micro-organisms or diet; having an antibacterial effect.  Any changes in the saliva can eventually trigger an entire range of devastating dental problems.

Dry mouth, caused by a reduced flow of saliva is an uncomfortable condition causing serious health and dental problems that affects 3 out of every 10 American adults.

Symptoms include:

• Sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
• Burning of the tongue and mouth
• Mouth sores
• Chewing and tasting difficulties
• Cracked lips
• Oral infections

Initially, a person may notice not only dryness in the mouth, but also, cracking lips, a change in tongue texture and sensitive oral tissues.  This may, in turn, cause difficulties in breathing, speaking, and eating.  Persistent dryness leads to plaque build-up, especially under the gumline, causing gum tissues to become inflamed.  If not treated, the tissues become further infected and fall away from the tooth, allowing the plaque to advance to a deeper level.  Eventually, the bone which supports the tooth becomes infected resulting in tooth loss.

Xerostomia is treated with a bactericidal liquid which moisturizes, lubricates, and conditions dry oral tissues.