What is xerostomia better known as?

Table of Contents:

1. What is xerostomia better known as?
2. What is xerostomia and its complications?
3. Is dry mouth a normal part of aging?
4. Is dry mouth permanent?
5. Why is my mouth so dry even if I drink water?
6. How can I increase my saliva at night?

What is xerostomia better known as?

Dry mouth, or xerostomia (zeer-o-STOE-me-uh), refers to a condition in which the salivary glands in your mouth don't make enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Dry mouth is often due to the side effect of certain medications or aging issues or as a result of radiation therapy for cancer.

What is xerostomia and its complications?

Xerostomia can cause the following complications: a sticky, dry, or burning feeling in the mouth. trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting, or speaking. altered taste or intolerance for spicy, salty, or sour foods or drinks.

Is dry mouth a normal part of aging?

Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. Causes include some medicines, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and nerve damage. Salivary gland diseases, Sjogren's syndrome, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes can also cause dry mouth. Treatment depends on the cause.

Is dry mouth permanent?

Dry mouth is also called xerostomia. Xerostomia can make it difficult to speak, eat, and digest food and can lead to malnutrition. Extreme dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction can produce significant anxiety, permanent mouth, and throat disorders, and can impair a person's quality of life.

Why is my mouth so dry even if I drink water?

Drink Water Dry mouth can occur as a result of dehydration if you're not drinking enough fluids. Dehydration isn't always the cause of dry mouth, but sipping water can still help wash away bacteria in your mouth until your saliva flow returns to normal.

How can I increase my saliva at night?

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1. Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candies to stimulate the flow of saliva. ...
2. Limit your caffeine intake because caffeine can make your mouth drier.
3. Don't use mouthwashes that contain alcohol because they can be drying.
4. Stop all tobacco use if you smoke or chew tobacco.
5. Sip water regularly.