DRY MOUTH

THE DRY MOUTH

Dry Mouth affects more than half of the Portuguese population.

Dry Mouth encompasses 2 entities:

1- Xerostomia: the sensation of Dry Mouth - it is a symptom.

2- Hypo-salivation: decrease in saliva production by the salivary glands.

Normal salivary glands produce 1.5 liters of saliva per day!

So why do we feel dry mouth?

The main causes of Xerostomia are:

1- Hypo-salivation!

2- Mouth breathing

3- Sensory dysfunction/injury

The main causes of Hypo-salivation are:

1- Medications (especially: polypharmacy)

2- Sjögren's syndrome

3- Radiotherapy in the head and neck region

4- Hepatitis C

5- Other diseases that should be ruled out, for example: Diabetes, Alzheimer's, HIV, Amyloidosis, among others.

Saliva is a crucial protective factor for the mouth that allows for its proper functioning: eating, chewing, swallowing, speaking, and protection against infections.

Do you feel dry mouth daily for more than 3 months?

Do you feel swollen salivary glands?

Do you have to drink something to help swallow food?

Do you wake up at night to drink water?

These are some signs that you may be experiencing a decrease in saliva production.

What are the complications of lack of saliva?

Cracked and fissured lips, tongue, and other oral mucosa, painful, fungal infections, cervical caries, and inflammation of the salivary glands.

Can prevention of these complications be done?

Yes. Specific measures should be adopted in everyday life, with small changes in your routine.

It is extremely important to conduct a clinical investigation and a correct diagnosis to outline the most appropriate treatment for each case.

If you suffer from Dry Mouth, know that we have a team dedicated to helping you understand the real reason for this symptom, and of course, we are committed to providing excellent treatment.