DRY mouth is the condition of not having enough saliva, or spit, to keep your mouth wet. Everyone has a dry mouth once in awhile — if they are nervous, upset or under stress.

But if you have a dry mouth all or most of the time, it can be uncomfortable and can lead to serious health problems.

DRY MOUTH CAN:

* Cause difficulties with tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking;

* Increase your chance of developing dental decay and other infections in the mouth;

* Be a sign of certain diseases and conditions; and

* Be caused by certain medications, medical treatments or foods.

SYMPTOMS OF DRY MOUTH INCLUDE:

* A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth;

* Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting or speaking;

* A burning feeling in the mouth;

* A dry feeling in the throat;

* Cracked lips;

* A dry, tough tongue;

* Mouth sores; and

* An infection in the mouth.

WHY IS SALIVA SO IMPORTANT?

Saliva does more than keep the mouth wet. It helps to digest food. It protects teeth from decay. Saliva prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth. It also makes it possible for you to chew and swallow.

Without enough saliva, you can develop tooth decay or other infections in the mouth, such as gingivitis. You also might not get the nutrients you need if you cannot chew and swallow certain foods. Dry mouth can also make it hard to wear dentures.

WHAT CAUSES DRY MOUTH?

Dry mouth can be a side effect of certain medications. It is a common side effect of many prescription and non-prescription drugs, including drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergies, and colds (antihistamines and decongestants), obesity, acne, epilepsy, hypertension (diuretics), diarrhoea, nausea, urinary disorders, asthma (certain bronchodilators), and Parkinson’s.

Dry mouth can also be a side effect of muscle relaxants and sedatives.

The condition can be a side effect of certain diseases and infections.

Dry mouth can be a side effect of medical conditions, including Sjögren’s syndrome. HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, anaemia, fibrosis, hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and mumps.

Dry mouth can be a side effect of certain medical treatments. Damage to the salivary glands — the glands that make saliva — can reduce the amount of saliva produced. For example, the damage could stem from radiation to the head and neck,and chemotherapy treatments for cancer.

Nerve damage can also cause dry mouth. It can be a result of nerve damage to the head and neck area from an injury or surgery.

Dehydration is another cause of dry mouth. Conditions that lead to dehydration, such as fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea, blood loss, and burns can cause dry mouth.

Surgical removal of the salivary glands can also result in dry mouth.

Lifestyle can also cause dry mouth. Some foods, smoking or chewing tobacco can affect how much saliva you make and aggravate dry mouth. Breathing with your mouth open a lot can also contribute to the problem.

HOW IS DRY MOUTH TREATED?

Dry mouth treatment will depend on what is causing the problem. If you think you have dry mouth, see your dentist or physician.

If you think your dry mouth is caused by certain medication you’re taking, talk to your doctor. The doctor may adjust the dose you’re taking or switch you to a different drug that doesn’t cause dry mouth.

The doctor may also prescribe an oral rinse to restore mouth moisture. If that doesn’t help, he or she may prescribe a medication that boosts saliva production called Salagen.

You can also try these other steps, which may help improve saliva flow:

1. Suck on sugar-free candy or chew sugar-free gum.

* Avoid sugary and acidic foods.

* Increase fluid intake. Drink plenty of water or coconut water to help keep your mouth moist.

* Limit your caffeine intake.

* Avoid mouthwash that contain alcohol because they cause drying.

2. Brush with a fluoride toothpaste, use a fluoride rinse, and visit your dentist regularly.

*Use mouthwash designed for dry mouth.

3. Breathe through your nose, not your mouth, as much as possible.

4. Use a room vaporiser to add moisture to the air at night.

5. Use an over-the-counter artificial saliva substitute, such as products containing xylitol or Biotene.

Dr Sharon Robinson DDS has offices at the Dental Place Cosmetix Spa located at Shop #5, Winchester Business Centre, 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10. Dr Robinson is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology, Jamaica, School of Oral Health Sciences. She may be contacted at 630-4710 or visit the website www.dentalplace4u.com