High on medication? Beware of xerostomia – Dentzz

Ever wondered how important the flow of saliva and the work of salivary gland would be? Most of the folks at large know the mainstream function of saliva and its flow that is to produce taste in the mouth. Yeah sure it is one of the functions of the saliva to dissolve the chemicals in the food so that the receptors on the taste buds can detect the taste. But apart from this, other vital function performed by saliva is that it acts as a natural defender against plaque, the thing that leads to tooth decay and spreading of bacteria in the mouth. Another important function of the flow of saliva is to prevent dry mouth which has a jargon or which can be technically or commonly known among the experts as xerostomia. The lack of appropriate production of saliva by salivary glands causes this dysfunction. Following are the common signs and symptoms of xerostomia:

·         Dry feeling in the mouth

·         Slimy and thick saliva

·         Agony or a burning sensation anywhere in the mouth or on the tongue

·         Strain while talking

·         Strain in tasting, chewing, or swallowing

·         Cracks in the lips and at the ends of it

 

Causes of xerostomia

The main cause of xerostomia is high medication. So the people who are high on medication usually suffer from this dysfunction because of the xerogenic drug that is found in 42 drug categories and 56 sub categories. This results in lack of appropriate production of saliva and its flow which ultimately results in dry mouth (xesotomia). Usually dry mouth is observed in the aged people whose age is above 50 because this age group is one which is usually high on medication.

Patients suffering from dry mouth are interviewed by their physicians and their medication is reviewed by them.

The patients who have recently been treated with radiation in the head to neck region have also shown the signs and symptoms of xerostomia. Dry mouth was predominantly observed in the patients who have been treated with radiation a year ago.

What can be done?

Dental experts who have done research in Canada claim that dry mouth can lead to a poor dental and oral health due to increase in the level of bacteria in the mouth. Poor oral health further leads to an n number of problems in the future that can be severe along with dry mouth. It is advisable to take these general measures of keeping the mouth moist that will relieve the patients suffering from dry mouth.

·         High intake of cool drinks

·         Eating pieces of fruits like melons or pineapple chunks

·         Chewing sugar free gum which will stimulate salivation

·         Use of petroleum jelly to prevent cracking and drying of lips

 

Apart from this, in case of severe condition patients can also be diagnosed with artificial saliva, salivary stimulants, systematic pilocarpine treatment and physical treatments like acupuncture.

Experts in dental treatments and periodontal sciences at Dentzz Dental, claim that though they thoroughly advice their patients during medications, they believe that prevention of a problem is always better. Dentzz is the leading multispecialty brand of dental clinics that are helping people for maintaining good oral health and changing their lives by reforming their smiles.  Patients visiting from countries like Canada, UK and Australia have spoken about their amazing experiences during the time of their visit here.