What can cause dry mouth? Dry mouth: why does it occur and how to treat it? Causes of constant thirst

One of the problems in the body is insufficient functioning of the salivary glands, which causes dry mouth. There are many reasons that cause inadequate salivation, and ignoring the problem can lead to aggravation of the situation and to a chronic form of the disease.

Dysfunction of the salivary glands affects about 12% of the world's population. A decrease in the activity of the salivary glands causes a weakening of the protective functions of the oral cavity, which provokes the development of pathogenic microflora.

An unhealthy condition of the oral mucosa leads to gum disease and can provoke the development of caries, chronic tonsillitis, and stomatitis. Bad breath and sores on the lips are the consequences of lack of proper treatment.

Dry mouth (the causes of the disease it causes will be described below) can be caused by the following factors:

In addition to the feeling of dryness, the presence of additional symptoms may be observed in the oral cavity, which cannot be ignored for an accurate diagnosis.

Signs of disease, accompanied by dryness, bitterness, burning in the mouth

Factors that provoke inadequate functioning of the salivary glands can be short-term, long-term and permanent. A short-term phenomenon most often goes away on its own and does not entail the development of serious pathologies.

Prolonged dryness in the mouth, which is accompanied by bitterness and burning, can occur in the presence of the following diseases:

• The appearance of foci of inflammation in the head and spine.
• Oral diseases and dental problems caused by a lack of saliva to maintain healthy microflora.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: enteritis, lazy stomach syndrome, colitis, gastritis, stomach ulcers, dysbacteriosis.
• Inflammatory processes in the liver and biliary system.
• Disruption of the endocrine system.
• Arterial hypotension.
• Menopause.
• HIV AIDS.

A responsible attitude towards one’s own health means taking into account all accompanying symptoms. This will help prevent the development of complications in the presence of any of the diseases.

Helicobacter gastritis

This type of gastritis spreads quite easily between people. Light contact with a sick person or using shared utensils is enough for Helicobacter to settle in a healthy body.

Typical symptoms for this disease are:

• unpleasant odor and dry mouth;
• nausea, feeling of thirst;
• pain in the stomach and burning in the esophagus;
• flatulence;
• feeling of heaviness in the stomach.

If Helicobacter pylori gastritis is detected, complex treatment with medications and maintenance of a therapeutic diet are indicated.

Hypotension

Constant attacks of hypotension are accompanied by symptoms:

• dizziness;
• constant feeling of thirst and dryness in the mouth;
• unhealthy skin color;
• general weakness.

Chronic hypotension is caused by constant low blood pressure and does not allow all organs and systems to function normally. In addition to decreased salivation, a state of apathy, increased fatigue, and impaired thermoregulation are often observed.

Dry mouth, along with the above symptoms, is a direct indication for contacting a therapist and cardiologist. They will help determine which disease is caused by negative manifestations.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman experiences symptoms that are unusual for her. This is due to the heavy load on all organs and hormonal instability.

The feeling of dry mouth while pregnant can occur for various reasons:

• Dehydration of the body due to toxicosis.
• Increased sweating.
• Difficulty in nasal breathing.
• Anemia.
• Unusual taste preferences.

Most often, during the postpartum period, the body’s functioning normalizes, swelling will no longer bother you, and the food you eat will become more healthy. During pregnancy, a woman can help herself by independently monitoring her fluid balance, giving up bad habits and eating the healthiest foods possible.

Glandular cheilitis

The feeling of dryness in the mouth can be caused by an inflammatory disease that affects the salivary glands located in the thickness of the lips. The risk of developing glandular cheilitis increases significantly with poor quality care for the cleanliness of the oral cavity, smoking and the presence of active foci of inflammation on the mucous membrane.

The main symptoms of cheilitis are:

• peeling and burning on the lips;
• redness, bleeding ulcers;
• dry mouth, lips and tongue;
• painful sensations.

It is very important to prevent glandular cheilitis from becoming chronic. To do this, you should pay attention to the frequency of cracks on the lips, scaly crusts and a constant feeling of dryness. If symptoms persist for a long time, you should seek help from a medical facility.

IBS

Intestinal dysfunction can be caused by hormonal changes, dysbacteriosis, or changes in the usual diet.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is accompanied by additional symptoms:

• abdominal pain;
• sudden changes in stool: from diarrhea to constipation;
• flatulence, bloating.

These unpleasant symptoms may include a feeling of weakness, nausea and dry mouth. The development of IBS is largely facilitated by a person’s psychological state, so eliminating stress is important in treating the disease.

In addition, you will need to follow a diet and treatment with drugs to improve intestinal function.

Side effect of antibiotics

For some diseases, antibiotics are the only treatment. Despite their high effectiveness, antibiotics can cause a number of negative side reactions.

The main negative consequences include:

• disturbance of intestinal microflora;
• allergic reactions;
• malfunctions of the digestive system;
• disruption of cellular respiration.

Due to such disorders, problems with stool, nausea, and dry mouth may occur.

To minimize negative manifestations, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Take the drug at certain hours.
2. Take probiotics throughout the course of treatment.
3. Follow a diet.

Unpleasant sensations may occur immediately after starting antibiotics, or they may occur several days later. If there are other side effects, you will need to consult a doctor and possibly discontinue the drug.

For diabetes

Dry mouth (a biofluid analysis will help determine the causes of the disease) causes discomfort if it bothers you for a long time.

The level of glucose in the blood may change, which will reduce the body's protective functions and lead to dehydration.

The presence of diabetes mellitus obliges the patient to periodically be under the supervision of a doctor, undergo examinations and receive the necessary recommendations. Taking insulin medications will help maintain blood sugar levels and relieve additional discomfort such as dry mouth and general malaise.

For pancreatitis

The intake of food into the body provokes the production of special substances that are necessary for the digestion of foods. In the general metabolic process, such enzymes are vital. For various reasons, the ducts to the organs may be blocked, in which case the food processing process is activated directly in the gland.

In this case, cutting pain is observed, the temperature may rise, and nausea and dryness in the oral cavity may occur. With the onset of the acute stage, a sharp deterioration in the patient's condition may occur. In order to avoid a sharp deterioration, you should consult a doctor when the first suspicious symptoms of pancreatitis appear.

During menopause

Due to the beginning of the attenuation of the processes of full functioning of the ovaries in women, numerous changes occur in the functioning of the whole organism. Along with irregular menstruation and constant hot flashes, dry mucous membranes may be felt.

The feeling of lack of hydration can affect the throat, mouth, vagina, and eyes. This condition is associated with a decrease in the level of the hormone estrogen, the deficiency of which leads to various uncomfortable sensations.

To get rid of dry mouth, the following recommendations will help:

• During the day, you should drink enough water to avoid dehydration.
• If your lips dry out, use special moisturizers.
• Limit intake of smoked and salty foods. You should increase your consumption of juicy fruits and vegetables, herbs.
• To facilitate general well-being, it is advisable to saturate the body with vitamins; the use of sedatives of medicinal origin is not excluded.

If dry mouth bothers you in a certain room, then you should take care of the level of air humidity by using a humidifier. If possible, you should undergo a comprehensive examination, as a result of which you can determine the presence or absence of health problems.

For HIV

HIV is characterized by decreased immunity and the body's resistance to various diseases. In this regard, diseases of the mucous membranes of the mouth are far from a rare occurrence in HIV. Dysfunction of the salivary glands can lead to exacerbation and development of other diseases.

To eliminate such an unpleasant symptom as dryness, you should take care of a healthy diet and normalize your drinking regime. Particular attention should be paid to ensuring that food is maximally saturated with beneficial vitamins, which are the basis for maintaining immunity.

What does the time of dryness indicate: morning, afternoon, evening, night

To understand the reason for the defective functioning of the salivary glands, which can cause the development of physiological or pathological problems, Observing the time of day when this problem begins to bother you will help:

Daytime dryness is the most dangerous and its presence over a long period is a direct indication for consulting a doctor:

If independent elimination of the causes does not help restore normal functioning of the salivary glands, then you should seek help from a doctor. Complete treatment will not only eliminate general symptoms, but also take a comprehensive approach to treating the disease.

Consequences of constant dryness

Saliva is necessary for a person to constantly moisturize and cleanse the oral cavity. If you do not understand the cause of dysfunction of the salivary glands in a timely manner, then everyday life will be overshadowed by unpleasant sensations.

Insufficient saliva production subsequently leads to adverse consequences:

1. The appearance of cracks in the corners of the lips.
2. The appearance of bad breath.
3. The occurrence of disease of teeth and gums.
4. Burning tongue.
5. The taste of food begins to change.
6. Partial or complete atrophy of the mucosa.
7. Hoarse voice.
8. Deterioration of diction.

Particular attention should be paid if dry mouth occurs along with the appearance of an unpleasant aftertaste, which can be metallic, bitter or sour.

How to make the correct diagnosis?

Timely diagnosis is the most important step towards solving the problem of dry mouth. First of all, you should contact a therapist with a complaint, who will conduct a visual examination of the patient’s mucous membranes.

Further diagnostics will be more narrowly focused and consist of the following types of examinations:

Computed tomography and probing of the ducts of the salivary glands may be prescribed as an additional examination of the patient’s condition. Based on the results obtained, the therapist will refer the patient for consultation with specialized specialists: infectious disease specialist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, surgeon.

Based on the test results, appropriate treatment will be prescribed depending on the causes of the disorders.

Treatment for dry mouth

Dry mouth (the causes of which disease are such deviations was described earlier) may indicate the presence of various diseases. Drug therapy should be selected by a qualified physician, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient’s body and the identified disease.

General treatment principles will include the following recommendations:

Depending on the severity of the disease, a therapeutic diet may be prescribed, which can significantly alleviate the patient’s condition.

Symptomatic therapy

Without a diagnosis, there is no point in treating dry mouth.

However, it is possible to temporarily alleviate the condition with the help of the following recommendations:

In addition, you should pay attention to the foods you consume: exclude fast food, dry snacks, and smoked foods. The diet should be as rich as possible in healthy vitamins, food should be soft and not dry.

Treatment with traditional medicine

Traditional medicine advice is unlikely to help in the presence of complex diseases, but as supportive therapy they can relieve discomfort.

• Increasing the consumption of coriander seeds and parsley.
• Saturation of the diet with vegetables and fruits.
• Drinking water with lemon juice in the absence of visible diseases from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Drinking teas with the addition of mint and eucalyptus leaves. This will freshen your breath, eliminate any possible unpleasant taste and promote saliva production.
• Mouth rinse with infusions of blueberries, sage and chamomile. The remedy can be prepared by pouring the ingredients in an amount of 1 tbsp. each with 1 cup boiling water. 1 hour will be enough to prepare the composition, after which it can be used.

These methods are short-term ways to improve the condition, but do not replace the requirement for drug therapy.

In everyday life, dry mouth can cause a lot of inconvenience, so you should not ignore this problem. A comprehensive examination and treatment, aimed not only at eliminating symptoms, but also providing comprehensive therapy, will help determine which disease is caused by insufficient saliva production.

Article format: Vladimir the Great

Video about dry mouth

Causes and treatment of dry mouth:

Xerostomia (dry mouth) is a condition caused by decreased salivation. If you experience dry mouth from time to time, it's not always a problem! Xerostomia is not a disease, but it can be a symptom of various diseases. Quite often, dry mouth should be regarded as a physiological condition that develops against the background of general dehydration or after stress. However, constant dry mouth may be a sign of the development of some general somatic disease. Very often, elderly patients complain of dry mouth, approximately 20 percent of all calls.

Saliva is a viscous, clear liquid secreted from the submandibular, sublingual, parotid and small mucous glands of the oral cavity. It contains two main types of serous secretion protein: ptyalin (alpha amylase) and mucous secretion mucin. 6-7.4. Saliva also contains large amounts of potassium, bicarbonate ions, and slightly less sodium and chlorine ions. In addition, saliva contains several antimicrobial components, including thiocynate, lysozyme, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and transferrin.

Saliva has many important functions, including antimicrobial activity, mechanical cleansing, pH control, removal of oral debris, oral lubrication, remineralization, and maintaining the integrity of the oral mucosa.

Saliva is an essential part of a healthy mouth. Thanks to its lubricating properties, saliva protects the oral mucosa from ulcers, bedsores and other frictional movements that occur during eating or talking. Saliva neutralizes acids that can accumulate in the mouth and helps protect teeth from inflammation and supports enamel remineralization. When saliva volume is insufficient, all these functions are impaired. Saliva contains enzymes (for example, amylase) that begin digesting food in the mouth. Lack of or decreased saliva production can lead to the rapid formation of cavities, especially at the gum line where plaque accumulates.

Every person who experiences symptoms of xerostomia should ask themselves the question - what causes dry mouth? You can talk about this topic for a long time and perhaps you will come to the truth, but we recommend that you look below at the most common causes of dry mouth:

• Dehydration (dehydration)– a condition in which the body loses significantly more fluid than it takes in. When the normal water content in the body decreases, then the balance of minerals (salt and sugar) is disrupted, which affects the functioning of the body. The body needs water not only to prevent dry mouth, but also to improve digestion, remove waste and toxins, maintain skin tone and lubricate joints and eyes. Dehydration, in turn, can be triggered by a variety of factors: excessive exercise, climatic conditions (hot weather), diet (spicy foods), etc.
• Nowadays there are drugs that cause dry mouth there are quite a lot of them and the shelves of pharmacies are constantly replenished with more and more new medications that lead to xerostomia. Antidepressants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines and diuretics most often cause dry mouth, which is what drug manufacturers warn about. Xerostomia is a side effect of medications, which is described in the package insert, which must be read before use! There are currently more than 400 commonly used medications that can cause dry mouth.
• Mouth breathing can lead to drying out of the mucous membrane. This cause is especially common in people who suffer from chronic sinusitis, have nasal congestion and cannot close their mouth while sleeping.
• Diabetes is a lifelong condition that affects blood sugar levels, which in turn very often leads to the development of xerostomia.
• Radiation therapy to the head and neck is a treatment using high-energy radiation. May lead to inflammation of the salivary glands, which will certainly affect saliva secretion. At the end of radiation therapy, salivation may be partially restored 6 months after treatment. Some patients notice dry mouth during the first year after radiation therapy. Many will experience some level of discomfort for a long period of time due to xerostomia that does not go away. This is especially true if the patient's radiation therapy was aimed at the salivary glands.
• Chemotherapy quite often causes dry mouth, since this procedure can affect the salivary glands, which begin to produce thick saliva. This is usually a temporary symptom that may last up to eight weeks after treatment ends.
• Sjögren's syndrome This is the most common disease causing xerostomia. A chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that occurs predominantly in postmenopausal women. It is estimated that as many as 3% of the world's population suffers from Sjogren's syndrome, and 90% of these patients are women, whose average age at diagnosis is 50 years. Sjögren's syndrome is characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the salivary and lacrimal glands, resulting in the development of xerostomia and xerophthalmia. An increase in the size of the major salivary glands occurs in approximately one third of patients. At the moment there is no specific treatment for this disease. Only symptomatic treatment is carried out, which is aimed at eliminating: blurred vision, recurrent infections of the eyes and mouth, dysphagia, taste changes, cracks in the tongue and lips, dryness in the nasal passages and throat.
• Sarcoidosis and amyloidosis can cause dry mouth. In sarcoidosis, epithelioid granulomas form in the salivary glands, which lead to decreased salivation. With amyloidosis, amyloid deposits can be observed in the glands.

Other systemic diseases that may cause some degree of dry mouth:

• rheumatoid arthritis
• systemic lupus erythematosus
• scleroderma
• hypertonic disease
• cystic fibrosis
• bone marrow transplant
• endocrine disorders
• nephritis
• malnutrition
• thyroid dysfunction
• primary biliary cirrhosis of the liver
• polyuria
• neurological diseases: paralysis and cerebral palsy

Psychogenic causes such as depression, anxiety, stress or fear can also lead to dry mouth. Alzheimer's disease or stroke can alter the ability to perceive oral sensations. Xerostomia is often aggravated by hyperventilation, mouth breathing, smoking and alcohol consumption. Trauma to the head and neck can damage the nerves that supply the salivary glands.

When visiting your dentist or physician, be sure to report any symptoms you have. This in turn will help to carry out the correct diagnosis and make the correct diagnosis.

Symptoms and signs of dry mouth

People who constantly have dry mouth complain of problems with eating, swallowing and wearing dentures. Dry, crumbly foods such as cereals and crackers can be difficult to chew and swallow. Orthopedic patients may have problems with retaining the prosthesis; it will not have any adhesion to the mucosa. Patients with xerostomia more often complain of taste disorders (taste perversion), tongue soreness (glossodynia) and an increased need to drink water, especially at night. Dry mouth can lead to numerous carious lesions, inflammation of the parotid salivary gland, inflammation and cracking of the lips (cheilitis), the appearance of ulcers on the tongue and oral mucosa, oral candidiasis, sialadenitis, etc.

• Saliva may become stringy and thick
• Often there is a burning sensation and (or) pain in the mouth, occasionally on the tongue
• Excessive dryness causes cracks in the corners of the mouth and lips.
• Recurrent lesions of the mucous membrane - stomatitis
• Difficulty chewing
• Disturbances in the sense of taste and swallowing

If you notice some of the symptoms described above, contact your dentist for advice. The doctor will be able to identify and treat xerostomia at an early stage.

Preventing dry mouth

• If you need to carry out, then it is better to do this 3 weeks before the start of treatment, since the oral mucosa must heal.
• Brush your teeth after every meal and before bed with a soft toothbrush. Don't ignore fluoride toothpastes. Wet your brush in warm water before applying toothpaste and you will feel the bristles become softer.
• Use toothpicks.
• Rinse your mouth 4-6 times a day, especially after meals, with a solution of salt and soda. To prepare such a solution you will need half a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of salt per 1 glass of warm water.
• Avoid mouthwashes and other dental products that contain alcohol.

What causes dry mouth

Xerostomia is often the cause of both minor and serious health problems. Some common problems associated with xerostomia include sore throat, burning, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness and/or dry nasal passages. Dry mouth is an original symptom that can cause gum disease and can lead to future tooth loss in 3 out of 10 adults. If left untreated, dry mouth decreases the pH of the mouth and significantly increases the development of plaque and tooth decay. Oral candidiasis is one of the most common diseases that is directly related to xerostomia.

Dry mouth causes tooth decay

Diagnosis of dry mouth

The diagnosis of xerostomia can be based on information obtained from the patient's medical history, oral examination and sialometry - a simple procedure that measures the flow rate of saliva. Often the patient will complain of dry mouth at night and the inability to eat dry foods. During an objective examination, the dentist may notice that the spatula will stick to the mucous membrane of the cheeks. In women, lipstick marks are often visible on the front teeth; it serves as an indicator of xerostomia.

Sialography is an imaging technique that can be useful in identifying stones in the salivary gland ducts. A radiopaque contrast agent is used for the study.

Scintigraphy salivary glands may be useful for assessing salivary gland function. Technetium is used and administered intravenously to determine the rate of absorption. Biopsy of minor salivary glands very informative for Sjogren's syndrome, human immunodeficiency virus, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis. Biopsy of major salivary glands carried out most often to diagnose neoplasms.

Patients who suffer from dry mouth should actively monitor their oral health. Immediately after determining this condition, you should contact your dentist for weekly examinations. It is necessary to turn to preventive dentistry and remove tartar, soft dental deposits and begin to treat gum diseases. Patients should regularly brush their teeth and use dental floss to clean the spaces between teeth. Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and low-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Treating dry mouth is a long process that requires preparation and patience!

Products containing sodium lauryl sulfate should be avoided as they may promote the formation of ulcers or aphthous lesions. Sodium fluoride rinses should be kept in the mouth for at least one minute, and fluoride gel can be applied with a toothbrush and left in place for two to three minutes. Chlorhexidine rinses may also be helpful in preventing tooth decay by reducing lactobacilli in the mouth.

Dentures should not be worn while sleeping. They need to be cleaned and soaked overnight in antiseptic. Acrylic dentures must be placed in sodium hypochlorite, and metal ones in chlorhexidine.

Every person should know how to eliminate dry mouth after determining the cause of the development of this condition.

• If you determine that xerostomia is caused by radiation therapy, then it is recommended to take medications that prevent or reduce side effects, such as amifostine.
• Use saliva substitutes and rinses.
• Use medications that stimulate saliva production, such as pilocarpine.
• Other ways, such as taking sugar-free hard candies or chewing gum.

Some dentists may also prescribe medications to increase saliva secretion and various rinses to treat oral infections. Let's look at the most common advice from dentists:

• Drink as much fluid as possible! Try to drink only clean, cold water and completely avoid sugary drinks!
• Take an ice cube into your mouth, it will slowly melt and moisture on the mucous membrane will remain for some time.
• and do not rinse your mouth with rinses that contain alcohol. Otherwise, dry mouth will only increase.
• Eat soft, moist foods that are cold or at room temperature
• Avoid foods that can cause xerostomia: dry, hard, spicy and sour foods are not recommended!
• It is strictly forbidden to chew or smoke tobacco - these actions only increase dry mouth!

If the above measures do not help, then the dentist may suggest using an artificial saliva substitute to maintain a moist environment in the oral cavity. The substitute can be in the form of a spray, gel or lozenge.

If xerostomia is caused by Sjogren's syndrome or radiation therapy, it is best to use a medicine called pilocarpine. This tablet is taken several times a day. It helps stimulate the glands to secrete saliva. However, pilocarpine is not suitable for everyone. It may cause side effects in some people, such as heavy sweating, headache.

Carrots and celery may help patients regain some of their normal salivary gland function. Use flavor enhancers: spices and fruit extracts, they will help make food more palatable.

Xerostomia is a problem for every person; if not recognized and treated in time, it can have a significant impact on the quality of life.

Almost everyone has experienced the feeling of dry mouth. And most of us attributed this to trivial factors: high ambient temperature, eating salty foods, not drinking enough. In principle, having consumed enough fluid, symptomatic dry mouth often goes away, but, in fact, quite often the feeling of dryness in the mouth indicates problems in the vital systems of the human body.

Normal salivation is an important component of oral health. Saliva performs a number of important functions:

• protects the oral cavity from the development of ulcers and wounds that arise during friction;
• has a neutralizing effect on acids and bacteria entering the oral cavity;
• participates in the etching process;
• is a protective factor in the process of tooth remineralization;
• dissolves taste irritants.

Insufficient salivation is a problem. There can be many reasons for it, as well as ways to resolve it. And we will look at all this in detail in this material.
In medicine, insufficient salivation caused by one or another lesion of the salivary glands is referred to as xerostomia. With varying degrees of intensity, this disease affects every tenth person on the planet. Moreover, there are significantly more women among people who have dry mouth.

The main thing to remember with xerostomia is that frequent dry mouth is a marker of some problem in the body. There is no point in simply suppressing it by drinking fluids frequently. Or rather, you need to drink a lot, but you need to look for the cause of the problem, since only eliminating it can radically resolve insufficient salivation.
A one-time feeling of dry mouth is not a serious signal. This is often caused by everyday problems. Special attention requires a regular feeling of dryness, which is accompanied by a number of other symptoms relating to the oral cavity:

• the so-called “stickiness” of saliva. Feelings that when the mouth is closed for a long time, the tongue sticks to the palate;
• burning and itching in the mouth. This is mostly about language;
• bad breath;
• problems with chewing, swallowing, speech production and taste perception;
• roughness and redness of the tongue.

Dry mouth coupled with any of these symptoms is a fairly clear sign of xerostomia. In such cases, you need to consult a doctor, first a therapist, who will determine the necessary diagnostics and redirect you to a specialized specialist.

Causes of dry mouth

There is no generally accepted classification of the causes of dry mouth, nor an exact list of the prerequisites for xerostomia. At the same time, for convenience, many doctors divide the causes of dry mouth into two categories:

• pathological – associated with any disease;
• non-pathological - mainly determined by the way and mode of life.

Pathological causes of dry mouth

Dry mouth can be caused by dozens of diseases. For some of them, xerostomia is a clear symptom or concomitant factor, for some it is only a partial manifestation. It is impossible to identify absolutely all diseases that can provoke problems with salivation. Therefore, we will consider only those pathologies for which dry mouth is a characteristic symptom:

It is important to note that for all of these groups, dry mouth may or may not be a symptom. Therefore, self-diagnosis for insufficient salivation is unacceptable. Only qualified assistance from a specialist, coupled with a precisely selected list of diagnostic procedures, will be able to determine the true cause of xerostomia.

Non-pathological causes of dry mouth

As for non-pathological causes of dry mouth, most of them are one-time in nature and depend on a person’s lifestyle. First of all, xerostomia should be noted as a sign of dehydration. Often this manifestation is characteristic of insufficient drinking conditions, especially at high ambient temperatures. In this case, the problem is solved by drinking plenty of water. Without it, dehydration can have serious consequences.
Bad habits also lead to a feeling of dryness in the mouth: smoking and drinking alcohol. The characteristic manifestations in the morning after a feast with alcohol are familiar to many.

The use of medications can also cause xerostomia. In particular, dry mouth is present as a side effect in a number of antitumor, psychotropic and diuretic drugs, as well as in drugs of the sympathomimetic group. In addition, problems with salivation are typical for vasoconstrictors, antihistamines and antihypertensive medications.

In most cases, this side effect is not a reason to stop taking the medication. You can get rid of the feeling of dry mouth when taking medications by drinking plenty of fluids. These symptoms stop completely after the planned completion of treatment.

Feeling dry mouth during pregnancy

In a separate paragraph, it is worth considering the issue of the occurrence of xerostomia in women who are carrying a child. In them, this condition manifests itself quite often and there are many reasons for it.

The three main reasons for dry mouth in pregnant women are increased sweating, frequent urination, and the body’s adaptation to increased physical activity, which are characteristic of their condition. All this can be compensated for by drinking more.

In addition to them, dry mouth during pregnancy can be caused by a lack of potassium in the body, or by an excessive amount of magnesium. These causes already require appropriate therapy.

There are also cases when a pregnant woman experiences a metallic taste and dry mouth. Such symptoms are characteristic of a disease such as gestational diabetes and are a prerequisite for in-depth laboratory tests that are aimed at determining the amount of glucose in the blood and the body’s tolerance to it.
Otherwise, dry mouth in pregnant women is caused by the same reasons as in other people and requires the same diagnosis.

Dry mouth: causes and solutions

To determine the cause of dry mouth, your doctor must do two things:

• conduct a thorough analysis of the patient's medical history to determine the likely causes of such manifestations;
• prescribe the necessary diagnostic procedures that will confirm or refute the alleged preconditions for the occurrence of dry mouth.

Diagnosis of the causes that led to dry mouth may include a whole range of studies, the list of which depends on the probable pathology. Let's look at those that are most common.

First of all, if you have dry mouth, you need to determine the presence of diseases that disrupt the functioning of the salivary glands. For these tasks, computer (effective for identifying tumors) and magnetic resonance imaging are used, as well as studying the level of necessary components in saliva (enzymes, microelements, macroelements, immunoglobulins).

In addition, to determine deviations in the process of salivation, sialometry (assessment of the rate of salivary secretion), sialoadenolymphography (a study to identify metastases of the salivary glands), biopsy and salivary cytology are used, which are used for detected tumors in the salivary glands.
All these analyzes and studies are aimed at determining the correct functioning of the salivary system.

In addition to them, if the patient has a dry mouth, the following laboratory tests are used:

• general blood and urine tests that will show scleroderma, iron deficiency anemia, and the presence of inflammatory processes in the body;
• measuring blood glucose levels is the main test for diabetes mellitus;
• ultrasound examination to determine the presence of a cyst, tumor, neuritis or stones in the salivary gland area;
• serological blood test, which is the main one in diagnosing Sjögren's syndrome.

In addition, the doctor may prescribe other laboratory tests, the list of which is determined by studying the medical history and the list of patient complaints.

What can cause dry mouth?

It is sufficient to clearly determine the nature of the pathology that provokes dry mouth; its specification, as well as the accompanying symptoms, helps. There can be very, very many such combinations, and we will indicate the most common among them. For ease of perception, we will do this in the form of a table:

Using additional markers for dry mouth is extremely important. This minimizes the likelihood of incorrect diagnosis and prevents developing pathologies from being missed. Therefore, when turning to a doctor with a problem of dry mouth, you need to describe to him in as much detail as possible other uncharacteristic sensations that have appeared recently. This will greatly simplify the task of correct diagnosis and increase the likelihood of developing the correct treatment tactics.

What to do if your mouth is dry and the dryness does not go away

We have already indicated that dry mouth or xerostomia is not an independent pathology, but a manifestation of a disease. Therefore, to eliminate it, first of all, you need to overcome the cause of dryness. Most often, correctly selected therapy for the provoking disease effectively relieves xerostomia.

In fact, there is no specific treatment for dry mouth. Doctors recommend only a small list of measures aimed at eliminating this manifestation:

• The first thing to try if you have a dry mouth is to increase your fluid intake. Drinking plenty of unsweetened, non-carbonated drinks will often eliminate the problem if there are no serious reasons behind it. This same category includes an increase in air humidity in a house or apartment;
• The second step that is worth trying for xerostomia is changing your diet. Dry mouth can be a result of excessive consumption of salt and fried foods. By reducing them in your diet, one of the likely causes will be less;
• The third step, but not least important, is getting rid of bad habits. Drinking alcohol and smoking almost always lead to a feeling of dry mouth. So giving up these habits will be useful from this side as well;
• Chewing gum with candies also have a positive effect. The process of chewing reflexively stimulates the production of saliva, so eating them will at least temporarily relieve dry mouth. But, you need to remember that chewing gum should not contain sugar, as it only increases xerostomia;
• If you experience dry mouth and dryness around the mouth, then moisturizing lip balms will come to the rescue. They cope with this manifestation of xerostomia quite effectively;
• The last step is the most radical - stimulating saliva production. For this, special medications or regular hot pepper can be used. The substance capsaicin it contains stimulates the salivary glands, which helps get rid of the feeling of dry mouth. But the use of these techniques should be carried out only after consultation with a doctor, since it is necessary to make sure that dry mouth occurs due to insufficient saliva production and not due to other pathologies.

Dry mouth is familiar to almost everyone. But not everyone knows that this condition has a medical name “xerostomia”, that is, insufficient hydration with saliva.

The reason is poor functioning of the glands that secrete saliva. And the reason for this, in turn, may be stress or taking certain medications, undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, immune and autoimmune disorders, and smoking. As you can see, there are many reasons.

On the one hand, there may be no reason for concern, since this rarely happens to any person with strong anxiety. The phrase “My mouth is dry from excitement” is familiar to many.

However, if severe dry mouth haunts you constantly, then there is a reason to analyze your health, as this may be a signal of the onset of a serious illness. After all, saliva is directly related to the functioning of the digestive tract and protects teeth from caries and infections.

Main reasons

There are a number of reasons why the salivary glands do not perform their functions well. This may be a consequence of taking medications. There are approximately 400 drugs that inhibit the salivary glands. These are antihistamines, lower blood pressure, etc.

If we talk about dry mouth as a harbinger of diseases, then among them there are very unpleasant diseases, which primarily affect the functions of salivation. These are diabetes mellitus, lymphorganulomatosis, HIV, Parkinson's and Sjögren's disease.

Dysfunction of the salivary glands and dry mouth are consequences of radiation therapy to the head and neck for oncology. In such cases, impaired salivation may be temporary or permanent. Chemotherapy causes approximately the same symptoms.

Hormonal changes, caused, for example, by menopause, also have a depressing effect on salivation, causing a feeling of dry mouth in women at this time. Tobacco smoke, inhaled daily by smokers, is the cause of dry mouth in heavy smokers.

The only way to get rid of the problem is to remove the causes of the disease. If these are certain medications prescribed by a doctor, then you should discuss with him the issue of reducing the dosage or prescribing another medication. If it takes longer to eliminate the cause of dryness, then there are several ways to solve this problem.

Ways to solve the problem

Use mouth moisturizers, something like a saliva substitute. Using rinses will also significantly reduce the symptoms of dryness. Consume more tea and sugar-free drinks.

It is necessary to avoid caffeinated drinks and all sugary carbonated drinks; drinking them only increases thirst and dry mouth. You can suck on sugar-free candies or chewing gum to stimulate saliva production. You will have to give up smoking and drinking alcohol. Still, health is more valuable.

It's no secret that eating spicy and salty foods can cause pain if a person suffers from dry mouth. Or cause a condition when they say that there is a “lump in the throat.”

Now we have looked at those moments of dry mouth that do not pose a particular health hazard. Now let's look in more detail at those points that require a more careful approach, since ignoring them can lead to very unpleasant consequences.

Pre-morbid symptoms

In pregnant women

Dry mouth also occurs in pregnant women. In general, in pregnant women who follow a drinking regime, this phenomenon is extremely rare, due to the fact that salivation, as is known, only increases during pregnancy. If dryness is caused by hot weather, then there is no cause for concern.

But when dryness is accompanied by sourness and a metallic taste, this indicates a gestational form of diabetes. It can be diagnosed by glucose tests.

Also, dry mouth in pregnant women, accompanied by frequent urination, is a sign of an excess of magnesium and a severe deficiency of potassium.

Diabetes and gastrointestinal problems

Dry mouth and constant thirst are signs of diabetes. The same symptoms, accompanied by abdominal pain, indicate intestinal pathology. If to this is added a yellow-white coating on the tongue, plus heartburn and increased gas formation, then we can talk about pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract and a number of other diseases, including problems with the gallbladder and biliary dyskinesia.

Various forms of neuroses, psychoses and other problems of a neuropsychological nature are also characterized by these signs. If they are present, coupled with pain on the right side, we can talk about cholelithiasis or cholecystitis.

Pathologies of the thyroid gland, as a result of which the bile duct spasms, which causes bitterness in the mouth, and the tongue becomes covered with a yellow-white coating, also leads to a decrease in the functioning of the salivary glands. Gastritis can also be accompanied by stomach pain, nausea, heartburn, and severe dryness and bitterness in the mouth. In most of these cases, the culprit is the bacteria Helicobacter pylori.

Hypotension

Hypotension is also accompanied by signs of dry mouth. Added to this is dizziness. This problem has struck most of the world's inhabitants in recent years, and many simply do not pay attention to it. But weakness, dizziness and pain in the occipital region should alert anyone who has these signs. This can lead to hypotensive crisis or shock. Hypotonic and hypertensive patients quite often suffer from dizziness, weakness and dry mouth, especially in the evening.

As you can see, a seemingly simple problem, seemingly associated only with the mouth, can warn of many quite serious diseases that are beginning to develop. If alarming symptoms appear, you should immediately contact your doctor and undergo an appropriate examination. It is easier to prevent any disease than to treat it later.

We recommend drinking at least 2 liters of clean water per day. Add hot peppers to your diet if there are no contraindications. Pepper activates salivation, as it contains capsaicin, which stimulates the salivary glands.

We hope that in this material you did not find any symptoms that you might have!

Dry mouth is a common complaint when visiting any doctor. It can be a symptom of both local disorders in the oral cavity and serious diseases of the internal organs. If this sensation occurs once, there is no need to worry. But complaints about constant dry mouth are a reason to visit a doctor and find out the reasons.

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Common signs of dry mouth

In medical terminology, dry mouth is called xerostomia. This is a separate symptom, which is characterized by a pathological disruption of the salivary glands. In simple words, with xerostomia, the process of salivation decreases or even stops. Since saliva is a natural antiseptic in the oral cavity, stopping its production is fraught with serious consequences.

What signs indicate persistent dry mouth? A person usually feels:

• dryness and roughness of the tongue, which seems to stick to the roof of the mouth;
• constant thirst;
• dryness of the mucous membranes of the lips, cracks on them;
• soreness and burning sensation in the nasopharynx;
• itching on the tongue and in the corners of the lips;
• change in taste sensations;
• difficulty chewing and swallowing food;
• hoarseness of voice.

The presence of all signs at the same time is not necessary. The constant presence of several of them is enough to suspect some kind of disturbance in the functioning of the body.

Why dry mouth occurs - possible causes

The oral mucosa reacts to any functional disorders and pathological changes in the human body. She is the first to “meet” viruses, bacteria, microbes that seek to penetrate inside from the external environment. One of the signals is dry mouth and accompanying discomfort.

The reasons for the appearance of such a symptom can be conditionally divided into two groups - unrelated and related to diseases of the internal organs. Causes of dry mouth that are not pathological in nature include:

• insufficient consumption of drinking water (the daily norm for an adult is up to 3 liters);
• systematic consumption of highly salty foods;
• long-term use of medications, especially antibiotics and antidepressants;
• sleeping with your mouth open due to poor nasal breathing or weakness of the jaw muscles;
• frequent and prolonged rinsing of the mouth and throat with antiseptics;
• chronic smoking and alcohol abuse;
• age-related changes in the body (menopause, aging).

If at least one of the reasons is present, then by eliminating it, you can get rid of unpleasant dry mouth even without special treatment. Long-term use of medications or smoking can permanently affect the functioning of the salivary glands.

In almost half of the cases, the cause of dryness lies in chronic or acute diseases, which a person is sometimes unaware of.

Infectious diseases of the respiratory tract

ARVI, tonsillitis, influenza, dysentery due to increased temperature cause dry mucous membranes. Large fluid loss through sweating and diarrhea contribute to this.

Diseases of the salivary glands

Mumps, sialolithiasis, sialadenitis, sialostasis cause disturbances in salivation, complete cessation of secretion, inflammation and pain of the salivary glands.

Endocrine pathologies

Diabetes mellitus with impaired insulin production (type 2) or its complete absence (type 1) leads to a constant feeling of thirst, dry mouth, and frequent urination. Dry mouth may be the first sign of early diabetes or pre-diabetes.

An increase in thyroid hormones leads to a disease called thyrotoxicosis. Metabolic processes are disrupted, fluid is quickly removed from the body, which leads to tachycardia, sweating, insomnia, vomiting and constant dry mouth.

Malignant formations

Neoplasms in the mouth in most cases affect the parotid and submandibular salivary glands, which leads to disruption of the production of salivary secretion. Receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatment also affects the oral mucosa, causing burning, rawness, dryness, unpleasant taste, and changes in taste.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Gastritis, ulcers, reflux esophagitis, pancreatitis in the acute period manifest themselves as pain and digestive disorders. Side symptoms may include discomfort in the mouth - burning, dryness, bitter and sour taste.

Systemic disorders

These include: scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer's disease, stroke. They cause functional disorders of all human organs and systems, including the salivary glands. A person may experience dry mouth, changes in the surface of the tongue, itching of the mucous membranes, swelling of the salivary glands, viscosity of saliva, and difficulty swallowing food.

Pathological disorders in the functioning of internal organs require complex treatment prescribed by a doctor. Dry mouth in this case is only a manifestation of the disease, and therefore goes away on its own after healing.

What other symptoms accompany dry mouth?

The feeling of dry mouth rarely occurs as a separate symptom. Most often it is accompanied by several other manifestations, which together indicate the presence of pathology. The patient may complain of weakness, dizziness, coating on the tongue, bitter taste, nausea, and frequent urge to go to the toilet.

Weakness

A common nonspecific symptom, but clearly indicating health problems. It usually manifests itself against the background of dry mouth at the initial stage of any disease, which allows timely treatment. What diseases can be suspected? First of all, disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system, infectious diseases accompanied by intoxication. Also, weakness and discomfort in the mouth can accompany blood diseases (leukemia, leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis), especially in the case of iron deficiency anemia. Oncology and accompanying chemotherapy greatly weaken the body, so a person always feels weak.

Dizziness

A symptom indicating a circulatory disorder in the brain. As a result, coordination of movements deteriorates and it is difficult for a person to stand firmly on his feet. The body's thermoregulation is disrupted and dehydration occurs, which can result in dry mouth. This manifestation occurs secondarily and not always, therefore it is not a specific symptom of brain diseases. The doctor should be informed, first of all, about dizziness and their frequency, but do not forget to mention dry mouth in this regard.

Coated tongue

A white coating on the tongue usually indicates diseases of the digestive tract: gastritis, duodenitis, reflux, ulcers, colitis. In acute form, they occur with pain, stool disturbances, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Symptoms are often accompanied by dry mouth when there is a permanent coating on the tongue. In this case, it is necessary to treat the gastrointestinal tract pathology, and then the unpleasant sensations in the mouth will go away on their own.

Bitter taste

Bitterness in the mouth in combination with dry mucous membranes indicates a violation of the biliary system or reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. A bitter taste usually appears on an empty stomach or immediately after eating. Diseases that lead to such a symptom are pancreatitis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, gastritis, peptic ulcer, reflux esophagitis.

Nausea

Nausea often accompanies dry mouth. Taken together, these symptoms may indicate habitual overeating or abuse of junk food. But it can also be a signal of serious digestive problems, intestinal infections, and poisoning. Additionally, pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever will be present. An unambiguous diagnosis cannot be made only in the presence of nausea and dryness.

Frequent urge to go to the toilet

Frequent urination and dry mouth are accompanied by two serious pathologies - kidney inflammation and diabetes. With kidney disease, the water balance is disrupted, which leads to constant filling of the bladder. The urine may be pink due to blood. With uncompensated diabetes, blood sugar rises, thirst appears, dry mouth, and the person drinks a lot. As a result, the kidneys try to remove excess fluid from the body and “drive” to the toilet. Thus, if dry mouth occurs due to frequent urination, you should immediately consult a doctor.

To make a correct diagnosis, the timing of the onset of dry mouth and accompanying symptoms is also important.

An unpleasant sensation can occur exclusively in the morning, after waking up. In most cases, this indicates problems directly in the oral cavity, for example, dental disease or stomatitis. After a party the night before or sleeping with your mouth open, you may also feel dry in the morning. Too dry air in the apartment leads to overdrying of the mucous membrane. In such conditions, everything passes quickly and no longer bothers you.

A person may wake up at night with his tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth. After drinking water, the condition returns to normal. Then this is a consequence of eating food before bed or dry indoor air. But if an unpleasant symptom bothers you every night, you should think about it. Most likely, this is a signal of a disruption in the functioning of the salivary glands due to disease. In this case, you need to monitor the frequency of dryness, and then consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Why does it “dry” during pregnancy?

Dry mouth often indicates some kind of disease. But there is an exception, which is pregnancy. During this period, changes and restructuring occur in a woman’s body, which are accompanied by all sorts of unpleasant symptoms. In addition, most women suffer from toxicosis in the first months of pregnancy. It is always accompanied by nausea and dry mouth.

Dryness can also occur due to insufficient water consumption. Due to the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the bladder, you have to go to the toilet often. And if you do not compensate for the fluid in the body, then dehydration occurs. It is not recommended for pregnant women to eat a lot of salty and sweet foods, which remove fluid from the body and cause a feeling of thirst.

Carrying a child during the summer creates additional problems. When it’s hot outside and in the apartment, a woman’s sweating increases and her mucous membranes dry out. Therefore, it is very important to drink plain water often and little by little. If dry mouth is temporary and appears periodically, then there is no need to worry.

You need to sound the alarm if she becomes a woman’s constant companion. This may indicate an exacerbation of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and kidneys. You should also be careful with toxicosis in the late stages of gestation. A woman may experience severe nausea, vomiting, swelling, and increased blood pressure and body temperature. This condition in medical practice is called gestosis. During this period, there is a threat to the health of the unborn baby, so it is important to consult a doctor in time.

Treatment and prevention of dry mouth

Dry mouth seems like a completely harmless phenomenon. In fact, this is not true. If it appears continuously, it indicates systemic diseases or pathologies in the oral cavity. It is important to see a doctor in time, get diagnosed and cure the disease. Depending on the accompanying symptoms, you can contact a therapist, dentist, gastroenterologist, or endocrinologist.

There is simply no specific treatment for dry mouth. It is necessary to treat a disease that manifests itself in this way. But it is very worthwhile to take preventive measures. First of all, you should give up bad habits (smoking, alcohol), which disrupt the microflora of the larynx and cause bitterness and dry mouth. Eating unhealthy foods, especially those with salt, removes fluid from the body and dries out all mucous membranes. Do not forget about the daily intake of water, which moisturizes not only the oral cavity, but also improves the condition of the skin and tones the entire body.

Dry mouth can be a side effect from taking medications (antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, psychotropic, diuretic). If the drugs cannot be stopped, then you need to consult your doctor about changing the dosage or selecting an analogue. Usually, after completing the course of treatment, the unpleasant symptom goes away.

Everyday dryness of the mucous membrane in the morning indicates impaired nasal breathing and snoring. It is worth contacting an otolaryngologist for a consultation. The problem may be a deviated septum, polyps, or chronic sinusitis. Medication and sometimes surgical treatment may be necessary.

The feeling of dry mouth itself is rare. This is usually an indicator that the indoor air is too dry. The problem can be solved thanks to an air humidifier and proper drinking regimen.

Pregnant women need to be especially careful with this unpleasant sensation. Self-medication in this case is not allowed. When dry mouth first appears, you should consult a doctor to rule out any underlying disease.