![]() ![]() Some cancer treatments - such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy (if directed at the head or neck), may temporarily reduce the ability of salivary glands to make saliva.Injury, illness or surgical damage to these nerves, for example, may reduce saliva production. Nerve problems - the function of the salivary glands is controlled by facial nerves.Certain medical conditions - including AIDS, amyloidosis, cerebral palsy, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, primary biliary cirrhosis and lupus.Salivary duct blockages - for example, tiny stones made from saliva minerals may lodge in the salivary ducts and restrict saliva flow.Sjogren's syndrome - is a common autoimmune disease that mainly affects the eyes and salivary glands, but can also affect the sweat glands.Infection - a bacterial or viral infection of the salivary glands (such as mumps) can cause inflammation and restrict saliva production.These include antihistamines, high blood pressure medications, sedatives, decongestants, analgesics (pain relief), antidepressants and illegal drugs such as cocaine. Drugs and medications - about 600 drugs and medications, both legal and illegal, are known to cause dry mouth.Many different conditions, some short term and others long term, can disrupt the production of saliva. Thorough teeth cleaning with a suitable fluoride toothpaste is extremely important. While people with dry mouth are more prone to decay, it is still preventable with the right diet and lifestyle. People with dry mouth may also develop decay on the lower front teeth, which are normally well protected by saliva produced from beneath the tongue. Unlike enamel (the outer tooth layer), dentine (the inner tooth layer) is less resistance to acids and can decay quickly, especially without enough saliva to protect it. People with dry mouth are more likely to get tooth decay, and may also get decay along the gum line (tooth root surface). Poor oral hygiene (not brushing and flossing your teeth every day) and a sugary diet tend to cause tooth decay on the biting surfaces and in between teeth. Speak to your doctor if you're experiencing some of these issues so that they can look into what might be causing them. in women, frequent vaginal thrush infections.loose acrylic (non-metal) dentures as saliva helps to create the suction between the gum tissues and the acrylic base of the denture.ĭepending on the cause, dry mouth may relate to symptoms outside the mouth, including:.a prickly, burning sensation in the mouth.susceptibility to oral thrush infections.problems with chewing or swallowing (particularly dry foods such as biscuits).the tongue tending to stick against the roof of the mouth.boosts sensation inside the mouth and allows the experience of food texture, taste and also pain if something is wrong.helps with the formation of particular sounds when you speak.moistens food which allows you to swallow comfortably.contains calcium and phosphate which are important for preventing and healing damage caused by tooth decay.neutralises the harmful acids produced by bacteria in plaque.has components that can directly attack the bacteria that cause decay.Having enough saliva keeps your mouth healthy as it: Protective role of salivaĪ dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and other oral diseases. Simply looking at and thinking about appetising food can also cause an increased saliva flow. Chewing and swallowing food increases the flow of saliva. Minor salivary glands - found in various locations around the mouth, including the inner cheeks and throat.Ī steady flow of saliva keeps the mouth moist at all times.Sublingual - located in the floor of the mouth.Submandibular - located beneath the tongue on both sides of the jaw (mandible).Parotid - located in the cheek between the front of the ear and the last tooth.These glands make saliva which is pumped into the mouth along tiny channels called salivary ducts. ![]() The salivary glands are located around the mouth and throat. The feeling of a dry mouth is also called xerostomia. Treatment includes products that help to moisten the mouth. A dry mouth is a symptom of an underlying problem, rather than a condition in itself.Ī number of things may cause a persistently dry mouth, including prescription medications, medical treatments and certain autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome. About 10% of the general population and 25% of older people experience dry mouth (not enough saliva in the mouth). ![]()
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