Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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Miami Herald - April 17, 2003
What's the big deal?
A. Dry mouth, says the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), can:
-- Cause difficulties in tasting, chewing, swallowing and speaking.
-- Increase your chance of developing dental decay, mouth sores and other infections.
-- Be a sign of certain diseases and conditions.
-- Be caused by certain medications or medical treatments.
In other words, it can make you miserable.
Dry mouth happens when the salivary glands don't work properly.
According to the National Institute's of Health Word on Health, www.nih.gov/newsWordonHealth/, dry mouth is a common side effect of many medicines, and may also result from head and neck radiation treatments, chemotherapy, nerve damage, stress or diseases such as diabetes, AIDS, Parkinson's disease and Sjgren's (show-grens) Syndrome, a disorder in which the person's own immune system targets the moisture-producing glands and causes dryness in the mouth and eyes.
Contrary to popular belief, the publication says, dry mouth is not a normal part of aging.
Treatment depends on what's causing the problem.
If it's a side effect of your medication, the doctor can change your medicine or adjust the dosage.
If your salivary glands aren't working right but can still produce some saliva, your doctor might give you medicine to helps the glands work better, and/or suggest that you use artificial saliva to keep your mouth wet.
There's currently no cure for severe salivary gland damage, but scientists are working on approaches that include using gene-transfer methods and developing an artificial salivary gland.
These therapies are still being tested in the laboratory and are not yet ready for patients.
NIDCR offers these tips to help those with dry mouth:
-- Sip water or sugarless drinks often.
-- Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.
-- Sip water or a sugarless drink during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier.
-- Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; citrus, cinnamon or mint-flavored candies are good choices.
-- Don't use tobacco or alcohol. They dry out the mouth.
-- Spicy or salty foods may cause discomfort.
-- Gently brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day.
-- Use toothpaste with fluoride in it.
-- Avoid sticky, sugary foods. If you do eat them, brush immediately afterward.
-- Visit your dentist for a check-up at least twice a year.
Action Line on Health gets answers. Write: Action Line, The Herald, 1 Herald Plaza, Miami, FL 33132, or call 305-376-3000 or 954-463-0404. e-mail: actionline@herald.com
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