Dry Mouth

Everyone has dry mouth once in while____ if they are nervous , upset or under stress. But if you have a dry mouth all or most of the time, it can be uncomfortable and can lead to serious health problems.
DRY MOUTH:
* Can cause difficulties in tasting , chewing, swallowing, and speaking.
* Can increase your chance of developing dental decay and other infections in the mouth.
* Can be sign of certain diseases and conditions.
* Can be caused by certain medications or medical treatments.
Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging so if you think you have dry mouth, see your dentist or physician, there are things you can get relief.
WHAT IS DRY MOUTH : Dry mouth is condition having not enough saliva, or spit, to keep your mouth wet.The symptoms included in this are, a Sticky dry feeling in the mouth. There is trouble while chewing, tasting and swallowing and also while speaking. Burning sensation is also there in the mouth.Dry feeling in the throat. Cracked lips are seen. A dry rough tongue And most common mouth sore and infection in the mouth.
WHY IS SALIVA IMPORTANT: Saliva does more than to keep the mouth wet.
*It helps digest food
*It protects teeth from decay it prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungii in the mouth
*It makes possible for you to chew and swallow.
*Without enough saliva you can develop tooth decay or other infections in the mouth. You also might not get the nutrients you need if you cannot chew and swallow certain foods.
WHAT CAUSES DRY MOUTH: People get dry mouth when the glands in the mouth that make saliva are not working properly. Because of this there might not be enough saliva to keep your mouth wet.There are several reasons why these glands(called salivary glands) might not work right.
*side efects of some medicines.More than 400 medicines can cause the salivary glands to make less saliva. Medicines for high blood pressure and depression often cause dry mouth.
* Disease. Some diseaes affect the salivary glands.Sjogren's syndrome, HIV/AIDS , Diabetis and Parkinson's disease can all cause dry mouth.
*Radiation therapy, The salivary glands can be damaged if they are exposed to radiation during cancer treatment.
*Nerve damage, Injury to head or neck can damage the nerves that tell salivary glands to make saliva.
WHAT CAN I DO:
* Sip water or sugarless drinks often
* Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffe tea and some sodas.
* sip water or a sugarless drink during meals. this will make chewing and swallowing easier. It may also improve the taste of food .
*Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow;citrus,cinnamon or mint -flavoured candies are good chocies.
*dont use tobacco or alchohol. They dry out the mouth.
* Be aware that spicy or salty foods may cause pain in the dry mouth.
*Use a humidifier at night.
TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR TEETH HEALTHY: Remember, if you have dry mouth, you need to be extra careful to keep your teeth healthy.Make sure you....
*Gently brush your teeth at least twice a day
*Floss your teeth every day
* Use toothpaste with fluoride in it .Most toothpastes sold at grocery and drug stores have fluoride in them.
*Avoid sticky, sugary foods. If you do eat them, brush immediately afterwards.
*Visit your dentist for check up at least twice a year. Your dentist might give you a special fluoride solution that you can rinse with to help keep your teeth healthy.