Dry Mouth Treatment: Tips For Controlling Dry Mouth
I frequently have a dry mouth. What can I do to relieve this problem? Answers from Thomas J. Salinas, D.D.S. The best way to treat dry mouth — known medically as xerostomia (zeer-o-STOE-me-uh) — depends on what's causing it. You can do some things to relieve dry mouth temporarily. But for the best long-term dry mouth remedy, you need to address its cause. To relieve your dry mouth: Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candies to stimulate the flow of saliva. For some people, xylitol, which is often found in sugar-free gum or sugar-free candies, may cause diarrhea or cramps if consumed in large amounts. Limit your caffeine intake because caffeine can make your mouth drier. Don't use mouthwashes that contain alcohol because they can be drying. Stop all tobacco use if you smoke or chew tobacco. Sip water regularly. Try over-the-counter saliva substitutes — look for products containing xylitol, such as Mouth Kote or Oasis Moisturizing Mouth Spray, or ones containing carboxymethylcellulose (kahr-bok-see-meth-ul-SEL-u-lohs) or hydroxyethyl cellulose (hi-drok-see-ETH-ul SEL-u-lohs), such as Biotene Oral Balance. Try a mouthwash designed for dry mouth — especially one that contains xylitol, such as Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse or ACT Total Care Dry Mouth Mouthwash, which also offer protection against tooth decay. Avoid using over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants because they can make your symptoms worse. Breathe through your nose, not your mouth. Add moisture to the air at night with a room humidifier. Saliva is important to maintain the health of your teeth and mouth. If you frequently have a dry mouth, taking these steps to protect your oral health may also help your condition: Avoid sugary or acidic foods and drinks because they increase your ri Continue reading >>
Dry Mouth And Diabetes. Signs And Remedies
By Louis Venter. Dry mouth, also known as Xerostomia, is a common condition that is often underestimated and is experienced by the majority of the population. A dry mouth happens when the body does not produce sufficient saliva, which serves the purpose of helping the mouth remain clean and eliminating harmful bacteria responsible for triggering cavities and infections. Saliva is also vital in the digestion process, and it neutralizes acids present in the mouth. Dry mouth causes Dry mouth has various causes including not taking in adequate liquids throughout the day, sleeping with your mouth exposed and smoking, just to mention a few. Some medications like ADHD, antidepressants, antihistamines, narcotics and sleep inducing medications, can also cause dry mouth. In such cases, the problem, dry mouth, tends to disappear once the principal cause is eliminated. On the other hand, for people having a dry mouth caused by diabetic conditions, it develops into more than a minor irritation. Dry mouth caused by diabetes Type 1 diabetes is a condition caused by inadequate production of insulin (whose most basic function is to convert glucose into energy), by the body. It mainly occurs in kids and young adults. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is caused by insufficient production of insulin by the pancreas, resulting in the body having a high blood glucose level. This can occur in both children and adults. Dry mouth and diabetes often happen in the same patients for several reasons. The main reasons are treatment side effects and great blood sugar intensities. A dry mouth aggravates diabetes side effects leading to a surge in sugar levels. As much as a dry mouth is a symptom of high blood sugar levels, it can also be the cause of high glucose levels. A diabetic with a dry mouth Continue reading >>
Does Diabetes Cause Dry Mouth?
A dry mouth (xerostomia) can exacerbate the side effects of diabetes, which will then lead to an increase in glucose levels, wreaking havoc on the body. We learn more about why diabetes causes dry mouth. A dry mouth is not only a symptom of high blood sugar, but it can also be the cause of it. Having a dry mouth, especially as a diabetes patient, can lead to rampant tooth decay, which means blood sugar increases as the body tries to fight infection. A dry mouth can also lead to loss of sleep and an altered sense of taste, a condition that presents with a metallic or sour taste in the mouth. Treatments for dry mouth caused by diabetes Because of the harmful effects of having a dry mouth, it is of extreme importance to keep saliva flowing as efficiently as possible. There are several ways to make this happen; the most important is to increase the intake of liquids throughout the day. Increasing the amount of fluids in the body can also help prevent sores in the mouth and chapped lips, as well as help maintain overall health. Even though many diabetes patients have had relative success at fighting a dry mouth by drinking more liquids, it is not a long-term solution, and as soon as the body has processed the fluids, the dry mouth returns. When this happens, a more direct approach to the problem is needed. Fortunately, there are several ways to help stimulate salivation, such as sugar-free gum, mouthwash, and mints. In most cases, those who use these methods have become disappointed after a few weeks, since they tend to be less effective as time goes by, but there is one dry mouth product on the market, Xerostom, that has brought relief to many dry mouths, from cancer patients to diabetes patients. Dry mouth relief with Xerostom Xerostom is a complete line of oral care produ Continue reading >>
Update Knowledge Of Dry Mouth- A Guideline For Dentists
Go to: Introduction Everyone has a dry mouth once in a while, especially if you're 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 more serious health problems or indicate that a more serious medical condition may exist. That's because saliva does more than just keep the mouth wet-it helps digest food, protects teeth from decay, prevents infection by controlling bacteria in the mouth, and makes it possible for you to chew and swallow (1–2). Dry mouth is usually caused by a reduced salivary flow or by changes in the biochemical composition of saliva. Patients suffering from dry mouth usually complain about difficulties when chewing, swallowing or even speaking. Drugs most commonly associated with xerostomia are: -antidepressants (particularly tricyclic antidepressants) (11); - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), particularly when combined with benzodiazepines (12); - Diuretics, antihypertensive drugs and angiotensinconverting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), - oral hypoglycemiants, - acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), -iron supplements. Let us not forget that drugs with the most intense xerostomizing effect are also the most widely and frequently used (treatment of metal disorders and cardiovascular diseases) (13). Many medicines can cause dry mouth , including drugs used to treat obesity (14), epilepsy (15), hypertension (diuretics) (16), diarrhea (17), urinary incontinence (18), asthma (certain bronchodilators 19), and Parkinson's disease (20) table 1. Aging older people are more likely to be taking medications that may cause dry mouth. Also, older people are more likely to have other health conditions that may cause dry mouth table 1. Bakke et al, (20) have reported that xerostomia Continue reading >>
How Are Dry Lips And Diabetes Related?
Dry lips is a symptom seen in diabetics and manifests with increased thirst. One of the early signs seen in diabetics is dry lips and mouth and patient feels thirsty all the time. It can also exacerbate the side effects of diabetes. For individuals suffering from diabetes, having a dry mouth can be quite annoying.Having a dry mouth, especially as a diabetic, can lead to rampant tooth decay and increased fungal infection which thereafore causes the blood sugar to increase as the body tries, and fails, to fight infection. A dry mouth can also lead to an altered taste sensation, a condition that presents with a metallic or sour taste in the mouth seen in diabetics. Because of the harmful effects of having a dry mouth, it is extremely important to keep the mouth hydrated with saliva. There are several ways to keep lips hydrated, and the easiest is to increase the intake of liquids throughout the day, which will then translate into a higher production of saliva, and a more balanced level of moisture in the mouth.Keep the blood sugar under control and follow a balanced diet rich in nutrients.All these help a diabetic maintain an overall health. Continue reading >>
Can A Dry Throat Be A Sign Of Diabetes?
Your throat feels parched and scratchy and your breath is stale. While you may dismiss this as not drinking enough water or coming down with a cold, if you experience a chronic dry throat, diabetes may be to blame. Type 2 or adult-onset diabetes is a chronic condition that raises your blood sugar levels leading to symptoms such as thirst and dry mouth. If you are diagnosed with this disease, rest assured that it is common and manageable. The American Diabetes Association notes that nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes. Dry Throat A dry throat can feel like someone has sandpapered the lining of your throat. Your throat might feel itchy and even sore. The dry, rough feeling may also occur in your mouth and on your tongue. There are many causes of a dry throat including being dehydrated, excessive exercise, habitually sleeping or breathing with an open mouth and an infection. If your dry throat persists no matter how much water you drink and you also seem to urinate more than usual, you may have diabetes. Diabetes.co.uk notes that thirst, excess urination and a dry mouth are signs of diabetes. Thirst in Diabetes Diabetes occurs because your body cannot make enough or adequately use a hormone called insulin, which carries sugar from your bloodstream into your cells where it can be burned for energy. This raises your blood sugar levels, causing a domino effect on your body that leads to dehydration and thirst. Diabetes.co.uk explains that as your blood sugar levels spike, the kidneys sense an imbalance and kick into overdrive to secrete more sugar through your urine. More urination means extra water loss from your body, causing chronic thirst and a dry mouth and throat. Other Symptoms You can have a range of diabetes symptoms or none at all. If your dry throat occurs al Continue reading >>
Dry Mouth Causes, Treatments, And Remedies
What Happens Without Enough Saliva Dry mouth is that uncomfortable feeling you get when you're not generating enough saliva to meet your needs. When your mouth fails to produce enough saliva, you will find yourself with more problems than just being thirsty. By salivating, your mouth helps you taste and digest what you eat and drink. Food particles get flushed from your teeth and acid is washed away as well, which helps prevent tooth decay (cavities). In this series, learn some of the many causes of dry mouth (also known as xerostomia), along with its symptoms, treatments, and remedies. This knowledge could be crucial to the ongoing health of your teeth and mouth. What Dry Mouth Feels Like Dry mouth is unpleasant and uncomfortable, but some of that discomfort takes surprising forms. Did you know that lack of salivation can make your tongue burn? It's a condition known as burning tongue syndrome, and it's just one of the surprising symptoms of dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, you may notice your mouth feels sticky. It may become difficult to eat and swallow. Your throat may become dry as well, making choking more common. Along with all the other discomforts, dry mouth may make your lips crack, it may make your tongue rough and dry, and it could cause sores to form on and in your mouth. Adding to all the other possible problems, you may find it difficult to talk without the saliva necessary to keep your tongue lubricated. Unpleasant Side Effects Bad breath, sometimes called halitosis, can be another consequence of dry mouth. That's because food particles aren't being flushed away as frequently. While wearing lipstick, you may notice your makeup getting stuck to your teeth because nothing is there to rinse it away. A hoarse or ticklish throat may be another consequence. Continue reading >>
Dry Mouth At Night, Causes, Anxiety, Diabetes, While Sleeping, Constant, Home Remedies, Get Rid, Treat
Dry mouth is a well-known condition that frequently occurs at night. It is caused when the salivary glands do not produce enough moisture to keep the mouth wet. Saliva is essential as it helps the mouth to naturally combat the acids and bacteria that cause tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. An absence of saliva during the night is not only uncomfortable, but it can also disturb sleep and negatively affect oral health. Symptoms of Dry Mouth at Night There are common symptoms of dry mouth at night which includes: Frequently waking up in the middle of night to drink water. Waking up in the morning with a dry mouth. Dry lips and throat in the morning. Thick, stringy or foamy saliva in the morning. A constant sore throat. Burning or cracked tongue. Halitosis or bad breath. Dry Mouth at Night Causes A good night’s sleep is important for good health, but that peaceful slumber can be difficult to achieve if you frequently wake up with dry mouth. The causes of xerostomia, the medical term for dry mouth, can vary, but during the night time hours. Lack of saliva is most often caused by sleeping with your mouth open or snoring. Emotional causes, such as stress, and side effects to medications can also play a factor. In fact, research has it that more than 400 medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, list dry mouth as a possible adverse side effect. Some of the causes of dry mouth at night may include the following: Medications Several medications, including many over-the-counter drugs, produce dry mouth as a side effect. Among the more likely types to cause problems are some of the drugs used to treat depression, nerve pain and anxiety, as well as some antihistamines, decongestants, muscle relaxants and pain medications. Aging The aging process doesn’t necess Continue reading >>
Dry Mouth And Diabetes
Dry mouth or altered salivary flow is one of the most common oral health problems for diabetics. The saliva has several functions; prevents infection by controlling bacteria in the mouth, moistens and cleanses the mouth by neutralizing acids produced by dental plaque, and washes away the dead skin cells that accumulate on the gums, tongue and cheeks. It helps us to chew, taste and swallow food, and helps in digestion. Enough saliva is necessary for health, comfort and for speaking. Dry mouth occurs when there is not enough saliva to keep your mouth moist.An obvious sign of dry mouth is lack of moisture in your mouth. Other symptoms of dry mouth include: irritation at the corners of the mouth, inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), yeast infections (thrush) on the tongue and cheeks. Dry mouth is one of the earliest symptoms to develop in diabetes, and is often accompanied by excessive dryness of the mouth. In most diabetics, the thirst develops so gradually that it is difficult to notice until other symptoms present themselves or until the point of major dehydration. Drink lots of water for good general health and good diabetic control. Some of the new drugs like Gliflozin can cause dryness of mouth due their mode of action. See your dentist and dental hygienist for an oral examination and dental prophylaxis at least every six months to minimize or prevent the development of oral health problems. Optimal oral health will improve your diabetes control and your quality of life. Dry mouth not only feels unpleasant, but can also promote a breeding ground for bacteria in the mouth. It is important to minimize the chance of oral or dental infection as your body tries to fight the infection, blood glucose levels increase. Saliva helps to control levels of bacteria as well as ne Continue reading >>
Symptoms Of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can cause serious health complications. That's why it is very important to know how to spot type 2 diabetes symptoms. Even prediabetes can increase the chance of heart disease, just like type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Talk to your doctor about preventive measures you can take now to reduce the chance of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes due to high blood sugar may include: Increased thirst Increased hunger (especially after eating) Unexplained weight loss (even though you are eating and feel hungry) Fatigue (weak, tired feeling) Loss of consciousness (rare) Contact your health care provider if you have any type 2 diabetes symptoms or if you have further questions about type 2 diabetes. It's important to get diabetes testing and start a treatment plan early to prevent serious diabetes complications. Type 2 diabetes is usually not diagnosed until health complications have occurred. Most often, there are no diabetes symptoms or a very gradual development of the above symptoms of type 2 diabetes. In fact, about one out of every four people with type 2 diabetes don't know they have it. Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include: Slow-healing sores or cuts Itching of the skin (usually around the vaginal or groin area) Recent weight gain or unexplained weight loss Velvety dark skin changes of the neck, armpit, and groin, called acanthosis nigricans Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet Erectile dysfunction (impotency) Continue reading >>
How Does Diabetes Affect The Dental Health Of A Person?
They say your dentist has a higher chance of diagnosing diabetes than your physician. It was actually true in my case. During my master’s dissertation I have personally (successfully) referred at least 5 patients to the physician who came back with a positive diagnosis. 1. Diabetes is an immuno-compromised state. So basically, you are vulnerable to develop opportunistic infections like Oral Thrush[1] . 2. Diabetes alters collagen metabolism (due to the accumulated Advanced Glycated End Products- i.e., AGEs). Now, Collagen is the protein that reinforces your gums and provides support to your teeth. So when collagen metabolism is affected, your gums are more prone to destruction, leading to Periodontitis. Periodontitis is in fact the sixth complication of Diabetes[2] . 3. Diabetes makes your neutrophils (which fight infections) sluggish, and affects the expression of certain inflammatory mediators. Therefore, the body’s response in acting against pathogens (in the oral cavity), becomes sluggish. It is therefore not very uncommon to to see diabetics with multiple periodontal abscesses and infections[3][4] . There are many ways diabetes affects the quality of life of its victim. Affecting the teeth is one of them. Luckily, early identification and prompt action can save us a lot of trouble. So if you are a diabetic, make sure you schedule a visit with your dentist for routine check-ups regularly. Continue reading >>
What You Should Know About Dry Mouth And Diabetes
One of the most common symptoms of diabetes is dry mouth, or xerostomia. Dry mouth is a common symptom in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Not everyone with diabetes will experience it, though. You can also have dry mouth if you don’t have diabetes. If you have dry mouth and suspect you might have diabetes, you should talk to your primary care doctor. Dry mouth occurs due to a reduced amount of saliva in your mouth. The symptoms of dry mouth include: a rough, dry tongue a lack of moisture in the mouth frequent pain in the mouth cracked and chapped lips sores in the mouth infections in the oral cavity difficulty with swallowing, talking, or chewing Anyone can get dry mouth, but it’s a common symptom of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The exact reasons are unknown, but high blood sugar levels could cause dry mouth in people with diabetes. Some medications used to treat diabetes can also cause dry mouth. Other causes of dry mouth include: dehydration kidney dialysis breathing through the mouth Read more: Type 2 diabetes and oral health » Dry mouth isn’t well-understood because there hasn’t been much research in the area. One meta-analysis reviewed studies from 1992 to 2013, but the researchers were unable to determine any definitive causes for dry mouth from the study results. You may be able to improve your symptoms of dry mouth at home. Some home remedies include: avoiding food and drinks with a lot of sugar, caffeine, or artificial sweeteners drinking a lot of water flossing after every meal eating high-fiber fruits and vegetables using toothpicks to scrape excess plaque off your teeth using alcohol-free mouthwash chewing gum brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste sucking on mints that contain xylitol, which freshens the breath You’ll n Continue reading >>
Symptoms Of Diabetes
Chances are, if you’re reading this article, you have (or suspect you have) diabetes. If you don’t have diabetes, perhaps you have a family member or friend who does. Or maybe you’re just curious to learn more about diabetes: After all, 29 million people in the United States have it (although 8 million of them don’t know it). What’s even scarier is that a whopping 86 million people in this country have prediabetes, which means that their blood sugar is higher than what it should be, but not yet high enough to be called diabetes. Given that 1 in 3 American adults has prediabetes and that 15–30% of them will go on to develop Type 2 diabetes within five years, it’s not a bad idea to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of diabetes, including both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Let’s start with Type 2 diabetes first, since it’s more common than Type 1. Is it Type 2? Many people think that Type 2 diabetes is the “milder” type of diabetes or that it’s not all that important to pay attention to. Perhaps their doctor told them they have a “touch” of diabetes or “borderline” diabetes, downplaying the significance of it. You should know, however, that Type 2 diabetes certainly is just as “important” and serious as Type 1 diabetes. Signs and symptoms of Type 2 diabetes: • Feeling very tired • Dry mouth • Increased thirst and/or hunger • Having to urinate often • Weight loss • Blurry vision • Cuts or infections that don’t heal or go away • Areas of darkened, velvety skin, usually under the arms or around the neck • Confused thinking or difficulty concentrating Why do these symptoms occur? In a nutshell, the signs and symptoms above are due to either high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood and/or a lack of insulin. Continue reading >>
Diabetes-related Dry Mouth
Individuals suffering from type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at risk of developing dry mouth symptoms. Abnormal insulin production and/or absorption rates, which occur in diabetes, can cause the salivary glands to not release adequate amounts of saliva. According to experts, diabetes is likely the most frequent metabolic disease with salivary implications, due to the ever increasing numbers of people impacted by the disease. In 2016, there were more than 29 million people in the U.S. with diabetes, and 86 million with pre-diabetes, a serious health condition that increases one's risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases. Patients with dry mouth symptoms often have difficulty with many aspects of eating and swallowing. Denture wearers with diabetes may develop sores or have problems keeping dentures comfortably in place. In addition to dry mouth, many people with diabetes can experience taste disorders, excessive thirst, or a painful tongue. Facts and Stats Although research has shown that dry mouth symptoms are frequent among people with diabetes, most studies have not conclusively demonstrated that these rates are higher than in people without diabetes. This is not an exact science because there are many co-occurring health conditions that are contributing factors to developing dry mouth. Other factors that can cause salivary disorders in people with diabetes include advanced age, head and neck radiotherapy, systemic disorders, and several drugs. The following facts and stats are gathered from recent research. dry mouth symptoms associated with parotid gland enlargement affects nearly 25% of patients suffering from moderate to severe type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The parotid gland is the larger one of the two salivary glands, responsible for releasing sal Continue reading >>
Dry Mouth: Symptoms & Signs
The uncomfortable feeling of dryness of the mouth can be annoying. Dry mouth can also lead to dental problems and infections of the mouth. Many products are now available over-the-counter as well as by prescription for the relief of chronic mouth dryness and prevention of its complications. Professional dental care is essential for optimal oral health. REFERENCE: Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015. Pictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes Causes of Dry Mouth Continue reading >>
