Many people only sometimes suffer from dry mouth. Most usually the result of  sleeping with your mouth open, dehydration, or consuming an excessive amount  of alcohol. 

For some people, dry mouth is a persistent issue that can negatively affect daily  living. Apart from the bodily repercussions, it can also make people feel  extremely insecure in social settings, to the point where eating and speaking in  front of others become distressing. 

According to current studies, over 40% of persons over the age of 55 are  estimated to have the disorder, compared to one in four adults overall. Because  of this, dry mouth is among the most prevalent issues with dental health. 

The word ‘XERO’ means Dry and ‘STOMIA’ means Mouth. A disorder known  as "xerostomia," or dry mouth, inhibits salivary flow and makes your mouth feel 

dry. Saliva is necessary for your mouth to function correctly. Saliva helps break  down food and facilitates swallowing in addition to keeping your mouth wet. It  also neutralizes the acids in plaque and serves as a cleaner. It works to prevent  tooth decay and maintain the cleanliness of your teeth by continuously cleaning  the area around your mouth and teeth. Reduced salivary flow can also impact  food flavour and make it more difficult to consume dry foods. It can occasionally  impact your speech and increase the likelihood of breath odour in others.  

Since the mouth generates less saliva at night than it does during the day, dry  mouth is typically worse at night. In addition to increasing the risk of dental decay  and gum disease, dry mouth can make the mouth sore. It can be brought on by  aging, but more frequently than not, it is a side effect of medication, particularly  blood pressure, heart, and depression medications. You should be able to find out  from your dentist, pharmacy, or doctor whether taking a drug can lead to any  issues. Sometimes a medical condition (such as diabetes, lupus, Sjogren's  syndrome, or blocked salivary glands) is the direct cause of dry mouth. Compared  to men, women are more prone to experience chronic dry mouth (27% vs. 21%).  Research has indicated that individuals with persistent dry mouth are also more  susceptible to mental health disorders and social anxiety. 

MANAGEMENT OF XEROSTOMIA: 

There are certain factors which has to be noted when someone suffers from dry  mouth, such as:

1. As they are prone to dental caries regular visits to the dentist would help  them to prevent or treat the dental issues before turning them into  complications  

2. If a patient admits that they are having dry mouth issues there are certain drugs that have to be taken into notice like antihypertensives,  anticholinergic drugs, hormonal replacement therapy, etc., because it can  also be a cause agent for dry mouth so the alternatives can be preferred. 

3. The effective way of preventing dry mouth-induced caries is by using  fluoridated toothpaste, application of fluoride varnish, preventive resin  restoration, mouth rinsing after every meal, and avoiding added sugars in  their diet. 

4. There are many mouth-wetting agents which have to be taken under dentist guidance. 

5. Frequent sipping of water and staying hydrating is foremost important to  avoid dryness 

6. Other parameters that contribute to dryness would be iron deficiency anaemia and post-radiation therapy individuals where intense care to given  to get rid of dry mouth.  

For further clarifications and guidance, place your appointment at Snooze Dental  Care and call us: 7200096075