Why do I have a dry mouth? Know the main causes of xerostomia

Dry mouth (technically xerostomia) is a condition of reduced to insufficient saliva production.

It is also referred to as dry mouth syndrome.
Why do I have a dry mouth?

In addition to the uncomfortable feeling of dryness, the condition can be complicated. Tooth decay or bad breath are just some examples.

Saliva is an important part of the oral cavity. It begins the initial digestion of food in the mouth itself, which it also cleanses of food debris. It is important for swallowing.

Saliva is made up of water, which contains enzymes, mucus and minerals. Its importance is mechanical, protective and digestive.

Saliva is important for several reasons:

• the initial digestion of food
• antibacterial properties + cleansing the oral cavity of bacteria, foreign substances and food debris
• moistens the bite, facilitates chewing and also swallowing
• reservoir of calcium and minerals - important for dental health and maintaining the pH of the mouth
• important in speech and articulation
• moisten the mucosa and improve comfort

They are formed in the salivary glands. There are several salivary glands in the oral cavity. The major major ones are the parotid (glandula parotis), submandibular (glandula submandibularis) and sublingual (glandula sublingualis).

The salivary glands may be affected by several underlying diseases. Reduced salivary production (hyposalivation) may also have an underlying basis in other systemic or metabolic diseases.

Saliva production physiologically decreases with advancing age.

Want to know more?
What causes reduced saliva production and dry mouth?
What complications arise from this condition?
Read on with us.

Underlying causes of dry mouth and reduced saliva production

Morning dry mouth and foul-smelling breath result from reduced fluid intake and mouthwash during the night.

It is also aggravated by night sweats.

Saliva production naturally decreases with age. At any age, dry mouth can be caused by insufficient fluid intake.

There can be several reasons behind dehydration, not just drinking small amounts of water. Examples are febrile conditions, diarrhoea or vomiting.

After vomiting, in addition to a dry mouth, there may be an unpleasant taste - an aftertaste.

The acidic feeling will be caused by irritation of the stomach contents, i.e. acids. Increased return of stomach contents to the oesophagus also occurs in gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is better known by the simplified term reflux.

Further...

The dryness and bitterness in the mouth is caused, for example, by gallbladder colic.

Of the primary diseases of the salivary glands, it is important to mention inflammation of the salivary glands.

Particularly in childhood, mumps (parotitis) occurs. This is a seasonal disease that affects children around the age of 2.

There is now an effective vaccination for this disease, so it occurs only in unvaccinated children.

In addition to inflammation, there is swelling in the parotid gland and neck, pain and fever. Complications can include spread to both sides, deafness or severe meningitis or pancreatitis.

Other inflammatory causes include TB, HIV or HPV infection.

Saliva also contains minerals that can accumulate under certain circumstances and form stones. This process is known as lithiasis (pathological stone formation).

If such a stone clogs the outlet of the salivary gland, the gland becomes swollen, painful and possibly reduces saliva production and causes dry mouth.

Possible causes of dry mouth:

• metabolic - diabetes, thyroid disorders.
• autoimmune (systemic) - Sjogren's syndrome (sicca - dry syndrome), generally reduced production of all glands in the human body, and also other rheumatic diseases, scleroderma, psoriasis
• acute upper respiratory tract infections, sore throat
• multiple sclerosis
• cancer (especially cancer in the head and neck region)
• medications, dryness is caused by a large number of medications, examples are diuretics, sedatives, antidepressants, high blood pressure and heart medications, spasmolytics, antihistamines and many others
• chemotherapy and radiotherapy (especially radiation to the head and neck)
• kidney disease
• psyche, depression, stress, fatigue
• alcohol and alcoholism
• aggressive weight loss, reduction diets and malnutrition
• magnesium deficiency
• vitamin deficiency (avitaminosis)
• intoxication (poisoning)
• diseases other than those of the cardiovascular system

What other symptoms may be associated?

In addition to the unpleasant feeling of dry mouth, other symptoms also occur.

Examples of problems include:

• dry and cracked mucous membranes of the mouth, tongue and lips
• thick saliva
• sticky or white tongue
• pain in the mucous membranes and oral cavity, burning in the mouth
• more frequent inflammation of the gums and mucous membranes, mucosal ulcers, periodontitis
• dental plaque and decay
• sore throat
• difficult and painful swallowing
• disturbances in taste perception
• impaired pronunciation
• taste in the mouth
• halitosis
• feeling of difficulty breathing

Do you have dry eyes and excessively dry skin?
Caution. It may be a systemic disease called Sjogren's syndrome.

The problems occurring with dry mouth are not only unpleasant but also accompanied by serious complications.

An example is the aforementioned impaired pronunciation due to dry mouth and tongue sticking to the mucous membrane. This naturally interferes with articulation. Dry bites are also harder to swallow.

Saliva serves as a protective fluid in the mouth that cleans the mucous membranes. It is antimicrobial and, in addition, its mineral content partially nourishes the tooth enamel. Insufficient production leads to increased tooth decay.

The mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue will be morbidly altered, atrophied. This will result in redness, cracks and fissures which may bleed. The tongue will be dry to waxy.

A dry mouth sensation is often described by people with high blood pressure, headaches and other aches and pains or other problems.

How to cope with dry mouth?

Sick dry mouth must first be diagnosed. This is a simple test that tracks the amount of saliva produced over a period of time. This test is referred to as the Shkach test.

If another disease is suspected, it must also be diagnosed.

Appropriate treatment for the primary disease is then chosen.

In addition to specialist treatment, we can help with various measures.

The best natural remedy for dry mouth is a sufficient drinking regime.

Examples of measures and prevention are:

• sufficient drinking
• chewing gum and sugar-free sweets, which also provoke saliva production
• Sprays to promote saliva production and moisten the mucous membranes, also on a natural basis
  • medicines to stimulate saliva production + artificial saliva (various forms such as sprays, gargles, gels, candies)
• sufficient brushing and consistent oral hygiene are important
• reduce coffee intake
• do not drink alcohol
• no smoking
• beware of sweet and sour foods, sweetened drinks
• lubricate your lips more often

Important:
Breathe through the nose.
Breathing through the mouth dries the mucous membranes more.

Dry mouth in pregnancy?

Feeling dry mouth is a fairly common problem during pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes.

A little help during pregnancy includes, for example:

• drinking water, fruit teas or certain herbal remedies.
• chewing gum, sugar-free candies - they increase saliva production
• It is important to avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Humidifying the room will also help - air conditioning dries the air in summer and heating in winter