Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) Treatments
Dry mouth is not a disease in and of itself, rather it is often a side effect of treatments for various ailments or a symptom of a disease. Most dry mouth treatments include the dentist instructing the patient in the best way to manage the condition for as long as they are suffering from it as well as some saliva stimulating prescriptions. Once the cause of dry mouth is removed, the parched feeling will go away as well.
Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, happens when the patient does not produce enough saliva. Many things could be the root of this problem. They include stress, medications, radiation treatments, and autoimmune disorders such as Sjogren's syndrome. Even though there are many causes, dry mouth treatments are all the same. If dry mouth is a side effect of a medicine or of radiation, that therapy should not be stopped due to the dry mouth condition. The patient should consult with their physician or dentist to determine the best course of action. The benefits of many drugs which can lead to dry mouth far outweigh the discomfort, and that is why patients should never stop taking a drug without their doctor's approval. Dry mouth treatments are given to the patient in order to protect his oral health, which can be compromised in the absence of saliva. The many treatments for dry mouth are recommended by the dentist in order to prevent the various dry mouth complications which can arise. Each treatment corresponds to one of the potential adverse effects of dry mouth.
Saliva helps to rinse away food particles and bacteria in the mouth. Without it, that bacteria is left to feed on the bits of food. As it feeds, it also eats away at the teeth. This results in an increase in the number of cavities, oral infections and bad breath, which are all caused by excess bacteria in the mouth. Dentists will give the patient dry mouth treatments which will help to prevent the formation of cavities and oral infections. These include prescriptions to stimulate saliva such as prescription Salagen and prescription Evoxac. In addition, the patient is instructed to be diligent about his oral health care routine. This means that the patient will have to avoid sugary and acidic products and between meal snacks. They will need to be sure to brush and floss their teeth after every meal as well. In order to strengthen the tooth enamel, the dentist will likely give the patient a prescription for a fluoride oral mouth rinse or gel. These are much more effective than similar over the counter products if they are used as instructed. With a proper oral health regime for the treatment of dry mouth, bacteria can be lessened in their presence.
Other treatments for dry mouth include maintenance of the patient's comfort. Some saliva stimulating prescriptions such as Salagen and Evoxac might be helpful for the patient, but these do not work for all patients. It is best for the patient to discuss this with his/her dentist. Since the patient is likely to feel thirsty all of the time, have a sore throat, and difficulty in swallowing, having a ready supply of plain water to sip on throughout the day can help. In the absence of that, sugar free gum or candy can be used to try to stimulate saliva production. The patient must understand that only sugar free products which are not acidic should be used. This means that even diet sodas are forbidden. Any type of an acidic product will wear away at the tooth enamel without the protection which is offered by saliva. The best dry mouth treatment will be just plain water, since it will not damage the teeth at all, and the fluoridation of tap and many bottled waters can also help to strengthen the teeth.
Any patient with xerostomia, should always consult his dentist for the best means and methods of dry mouth treatment.
