know what it is and how to treat it

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The name may be new or unknown to many people, but almost everyone has gone through it. Xerostomia, the famous dry mouth, happens when saliva is not produced in an amount sufficient to keep the mouth moist and moisturized.

Dry mouth may appear at any time, but you should watch for frequency. "The problem arises especially in situations of apprehension, under stress or when we feel sadness, but if the dry mouth often appears causing discomfort, we must be aware, as this may indicate more serious health problems or even indicate the existence of a more serious illness, "comments Erika Vassolér, Condor's oral hygiene consultant.

A dry mouth may occur when the glands responsible for producing saliva are not working properly. The problem can reach people with high stress levels, who take medications such as antihistamines, analgesics, diuretics, patients who are on radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatments, have some syndromes, diabetics, serum positive, people with Parkinson's disease, of Hodgkins, diseases that affect the salivary gland, menopause and smokers.

To identify the problem, you should be aware of some signs such as: dryness and stickiness in the mouth, difficulty in chewing and swallowing food, frequent frequent breathlessness, cracked lips, dry throat , notice the appearance of wounds in the mouth and notice the reduction of taste or a metallic taste in the mouth.

The only definitive way to cure xerostomia is by treating its cause. If the problem is a result of using medication, seek medical help. If the salivary glands do not function normally, but still produce some saliva, the professional will indicate the appropriate medicine. "If the cause of the xerostomia can not be eliminated, it is necessary to seek the help of a dentist to restore moisture with mouth moisturizers, which can aid in the production of saliva. Rinses with oral solutions specially formulated to reduce dryness can also alleviate the problem, "says the consultant.

Tips

Drink water or unsweetened drinks frequently;

Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea or some soft drinks, which can also cause dry mouth;

Masque sugarless gums or suck sugar-free hard candy to stimulate the flow of saliva (if any salivary glands are working);

Do not use tobacco or alcohol, which resects the mouth;

Avoid spicy or salty foods as they may increase pain;

Use oral moisturizer overnight.