Referred to by a number of different names or terms, xerostomia is an insufficient production of saliva in the mouth. Common terms are cotton mouth or dry mouth. Also called hypo salivation, effects many people and is not caused by one thing. It is not a disease but can often be a sign that something else in the body is going on.

Signs and symptoms can be as severe as having a sore throat, trouble swallowing or talking and pain when eating. Bad breath can occur along with cracked lips and sores on mouth and extremely thick and stringy saliva. Women have experienced lipstick adhering to their teeth.

Having a moderate amount of saliva in the mouth decreases the risk of tooth decay because it limits the growth of bacteria and washes away food particles. Having dry mouth can increase your risk of getting a major infection of your gums. It may make food taste different and make swallowing difficult because saliva usually helps to break food down for digestion.

Medications are one of the major causes of cotton mouth, which is why a number of elderly people experience it at one time or another. It is not a normal sign of aging. Hypo salivation is not dependent of sex, age, or race. Excessive open mouth breathing and dehydration are also main causes of dry mouth. Remember to drink lots of fluids during exercise and outdoor activity.

Cannabis, heroin, cigarettes and alcoholic beverages are just a few narcotics or recreational drugs that cause cotton mouth by dehydrating the body. Amphetamines are the worst. Meth mouth is a term that was come up with and refers to the dry mouth and twitching motions that people exhibit when on these kinds of drugs.

The largest known cause of xerostomia mouth is prescription medications. Chemo therapy, radiation therapy, anti histamines and anti depressants are the most common. A disease like anxiety or any injury to the salivary glands can reduce production of saliva and in turn cause hypo salivation.

Determining the cause will of course determine the treatment for this ailment. The solution is usually simple. Typically if a prescription medication is the cause, then it is recommended that it is decreased or stopped all together. Avoid taking antihistamines and decongestants. Be sure to keep up on hygienics, especially oral. Sipping water may help but many report that it actually can make the pain worse. Slight relief could be found by sugar free, non carbonated drinks frequently. Xylitol is a natural sugar substitute use in some brands of gums, chewing one of there kinds of gum may help. Pretty much just avoid sugar. An over the counter remedy that can be found at any drug store is artificial saliva. This should also be sipped at frequently. There are prescription medications that are used to stimulate the body to produce large amounts of saliva. This of course would need to be given to you by your doctor.

Not being a disease does not mean it should go untreated. Xerostomia can be the result of a serious issue and can cause a slew of other problems.If you are concerned that you are experiencing dry mouth the best thing to do is see a doctor, especially if any of the at home remedies fail to provide any relief.

Author Bio: Xerostomia, known as dry mouth, is a common problem primarily affecting Women, elderly people and those using certain prescribed drugs. Biotene provides a product line of oral health products to provide relief, hygiene and stimulation.

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