Causes for decreased salivary secretion I Dry mouth

Dry mouth or Xerostomia refers to a condition in which the salivary glands in your mouth don't make enough saliva to keep your mouth wet.

- Saliva plays a major role in our Oral cavity.
- Saliva prevents tooth decay by neutralizing acids produced by bacteria, limiting bacterial growth and washing away food particles. 
- Saliva also enhances your ability to taste and makes it easier to chew and swallow. 
- Enzymes in saliva aid in digestion.

SYMPTOMS:

If you're not producing enough saliva, you may notice these signs and symptoms all or most of the time:

• Dryness or a feeling of stickiness in your mouth
• Saliva that seems thick and stringy
• Bad breath
• Difficulty chewing, speaking and swallowing
• Dry or sore throat and hoarseness
• Dry or grooved tongue
• A changed sense of taste
• Problems wearing dentures

 If you've noticed persistent dry mouth signs and symptoms, make an appointment with   your doctor.

   CAUSES:

Dry mouth is caused when the salivary glands in the mouth don't make enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. These glands may not work properly as the result of:

• Medications
• Age factors
• Cancer therapy
• Nerve damage
• Tobacco and alcohol use. 
• Other health conditions - such as diabetes, fungal infection (thrush) in your mouth, HIV/AIDS or due to autoimmune diseases, such as Sjogren's syndrome.
• Snoring and breathing with your mouth open can also lead to dry mouth.

  COMPLICATIONS :

If you don't have enough saliva and develop dry mouth, this can lead to:

• Increased plaque, tooth decay and gum disease.
• Mouth sores.
• Oral thrush
• Sores or split skin at the corners of your mouth, or cracked lips.
• Problems while chewing and swallowing the food.

  TREATMENT :

• Change medications that cause dry mouth. 
• Recommend products to moisturize your mouth - Artificial saliva or moisturizers to lubricate your mouth.

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