I was reading an interesting article this week about handling hyposalivation and xerostomia. This is a major part of my practice as I see alot of patients who are medically compromised, suffering autoimmune disease and going through treatments such as cancer treatments.

Xerostomia and Hyposalivation is the reduced flow of saliva in your mouth. Saliva is important as it washes the teeth kind of gives the teeth a bath after eating. It is also important to help moisten food during eating. Most people notice the difficulty in chewing food and the feeling of dry mouth and then seek treatment, this is more xerostomia. What most people don’t realise is that there are alot of conditions and medications which cause hyposalivation, which is the reduced saliva flow mainly during rest insted of function, so you don’t really get the traditional symptoms of dry mouth.

Watch our video on the effects of medications and dental disease.

One could ask what is the big problem?

The trouble with not having enough saliva is that your mouth has lost the ability to wash itself so therefore you are much more prone to dental decay, bad breath, and gum disease. There are simple steps to try and reduce the impact of these conditions though.

Most common causes of dry mouth and xerostomia;
1. Autoimmune diseases.
2. Head and neck radiotherapy.
3. Adverse effects of numerous medications, most medications that are anti-something will cause this as examples; antidepressants, antihypertensives, antihistamines, anti-epileptic, anti-inflammatory, anticholinergic, others also like analgesics, anxiolytic, diuretics and muscle relaxants. In a recent article I was reading there was a list of more than 300 medications. Make sure you ask your doctor prescribing the medication.
4. Even excessive exercise and dehydration
5. Excessive caffeine consumption as caffeine is a diuretic.

What can you do about it;
1. More regular check ups with the dentist and cleans with the dental hygienist.
2. Make sure your at home oral hygiene regime is excellent; brush at least twice a day, floss or use interproximal cleaning devices. Use the clean and spit method without rinsing the toothpaste out of your mouth.
3. Start using a fluoride containing non-alcohol containing mouthwash after cleaning, rinse, spit and leave on the teeth do not rinse with water after use.

If the problem progresses and you are showing signs of an increased rate of breakdown and symptoms of xerostomia (so you feel like your mouth is dry, you need to sip water whilst chewing and wake up during the night craving water to help with comfort of the mouth,) then there are other more advanced versions of fluoride apllication and materials you can use but ask your dentist about these.