Definition:
Dry mouth is also known as xerostomia, characterized by the abnormal lack of saliva resulting to the dryness of the mouth. This condition is quite common and can be a nuisance since it generally affects the sense of taste as well as the health of the teeth. An important reminder for people who regularly experience such condition is to seek medical help and not just simply ignore it.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis includes oral examination as well as review of medical history of the patient. Blood tests as well as imaging scans of the salivary glands may also be conducted.
Treatment:
In treating dry mouth, the doctor needs to first determine the underlying cause of the condition. If it is brought about by medication, dosages are usually adjustment or ask patient to switch to another type of medication.
Symptoms and Signs:
Other than the usual sensation of an unusually dry mouth, saliva usually seems overly thick, cracked lips, sores and splits on the side of the mouth, sore throat, bad breath, difficulty in speaking, as well as significantly altered sense of taste.
Causes:
Normally, a person produced about three pints of saliva a day. The development of dry mouth is usually triggered with a number of factors, mainly the aging process, side-effects of medications as well as complications of other health-related problems. Other possible causes may include cancer treatment, nerve damage and underlying health conditions.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
