Dry Mouth
Many people suffer from dry mouth, some long term and some short term.
This can affect all ages but most common in older adults. There are many causes , from simple dehydration to more serious illnesses. Dry mouth can increase rate of dental decay, periodontal disease, ability to chew and break down food. People have difficulty swallowing, taking meds, problems with bad breath and speaking.
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia is sometimes can be difficult to treat because a chronic illness and many medications that cause dry mouth.
Simple treatments such as using foods or lozenges that stimulate saliva production. Some over the counter items made specifically from dry mouth can help temporarily. Biotine comes in a spray and paste form. You can make you own spray by combine glycerine, lemon juice, a little water, any flavoring and place in a small spray bottle and use as needed. 3M has a new spray out but is by prescription only. For more serious forms of xerostomia a medication call pilocarpine can be taken which stimulates saliva production from the salivary glands. It usually works very well but does have side affects.
It is important to have good oral hygiene because bacteria become highly concentrated in the mouth and loss of saliva makes it more difficult to clear all the sugars and existing bacteria at a normal rate.
