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Xerostomia Treatment & Causes Houston Medical Center Group Offices.
Xerostomia is a medical condition that results from a lack of saliva in the mouth. People refer to this condition by a variety of common names, the most popular of which is the term “dry mouth.” Other terms for this condition are cottonmouth, pasties, and dough mouth. Xerostomia can make it hard to eat, swallow, and even to speak. It causes bad breath in many people and increases the likelihood of tooth decay. People who have suffered from dry mouth for many months or years should begin treatment by visiting a dentist for a thorough teeth cleaning and a thorough check up to look for gum disease. If tooth enamel has been degraded due to increased saliva production, corrective dentistry procedures and aggressive oral hygiene will be necessary to reverse deterioration of the teeth.
Because the causes of Xerostomia can vary widely, treatment cannot always correct the condition itself. Doctors and dentists can, however, reverse much of its effects once the root cause of the condition has been isolated. Some of these causes lie within the control of a person’s decisions and behaviors. Others are more severe, and require professional care to manage the condition.
Alcohol and Drug Use
Certain alcoholic drinks can dehydrate tissue, including tissue within the mouth. Consuming large amounts of alcohol can result in the decrease of saliva production.
The term Cotton Mouth was coined by marijuana users and refers to the tendency of marijuana smoke to almost completely dry out the mouth. Methamphetamines are also notorious for causing Xerostomia. Methamphetamine use can also further complicate dry mouth with Bruxism because it works as a stimulant and causes a tight clenching of the jaw. Smoking cigarettes also dries out the mouth.
Behavior modification is the easiest way to treat Xerostomia caused by drinking and illegal drug use. Since none of these substances are vital to human existence, the simplest solution is to simply quit using.
Heavy Athletic Activity
Many people who work out hard or play sports forget to breathe through their nose. They breathe through their mouths to give themselves more oxygen and energy. Unfortunately, salivary glands dry out very quickly when people breathe consistently through their mouths. Playing sports in the heat will also dry out salivary glands regardless of breathing techniques simply because the body needs fluids elsewhere. This is one reason why so many athletes like football players and boxers are seen consuming large amounts of fluid during breaks.
Aside from fluid replenishment, a conscious decision to breathe only through the nose can alleviate Xerostomia in most athletic endeavors.
Anxiety
Anxiety affects adrenalin function, which in turn affects a number of other vital and non-vital systems within the body. As a result, it is not uncommon for people who suffer from panic attacks to experience dry mouth either during the attack or afterwards.
Treatment for Xerostomia related to anxiety can be a bit problematic, as many anti-anxiety medications also cause dry mouth. Sometimes dentists or doctors recommend switching medications. When this is not possible, saliva-producing drugs can be taken for more severe cases of the condition.
Disease Side Effects
Xerostomia has been linked to Sjögren's syndrome, uncontrolled or poorly managed diabetes, clinical depression, and Lambert-Eaton syndrome. There is no absolute link between these disease and dry mouth, but enough clinical studies have proven there is a link between dry mouth and these conditions in many patients. Treatment depends on the patient, the condition, and medications the patient is taking.
Side Effects of Medication
Many medications can cause Xerostomia. Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication often dries out the mouth. Antidiuretics may also cause dry mouth, and chemotherapy has been known to change the constituency of saliva and the amount of saliva produced. If medication cannot be changed, there are prescription drugs that can treat dry mouth.
Trauma to Salivary Glands
Radiation treatment given to cancer patients often causes damage to the salivary glands. Neck trauma can also cause saliva production to cease
Xerostomia Treatment Options
In general, there a few rules to follow for treating Xerostomia regardless of the cause. Consistent oral hygiene and regular dental cleaning is a must. Avoiding decongestants and antihistamines is also recommended. Reducing sugar also tends to help increase salivary production. Water should be used ONLY for treating Xerostomia caused by dehydration. If another cause is behind the dry mouth, water tends to increase discomfort.
As noted above, sometimes doctors and dentists will recommend or prescribe medication for Xerostomia treatment. These include xylitol gum, a saliva substitute mouthwash, oxidized glycerol trimesters, and a drug called Aquoral.
If you suffer from dry mouth and are not sure why, call our office rather than trying to diagnose the problem yourself, or use our Ask the Dentist form to correspond with a member of our staff.
Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont Midland and Houston, Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth O’Sullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services.
For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can Contact Us at 713.795.5905, visit our Dental Blog or Ask the Dentist
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