Stress, aging, taking medications, poor hydration, oral problems, chronic illnesses... Many factors can explain experiencing dry mouth. Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is linked to a reduction in the quantity of saliva produced by the salivary glands and/or to a change in the composition of saliva (more viscous saliva for example).
The feeling of lack of saliva or dry mouth is appreciated and felt differently depending on the person. Some have hyposialia (low saliva production) without feeling dry mouth. Conversely, other people say they have a dry mouth, without there being an objective reduction in the quantity of saliva produced.
The salivary glands
When everything is going well, saliva is secreted continuously but, more abundantly, at mealtimes. The brain sends signals to the salivary glands to increase saliva production. Chewing also contributes to saliva production. We have six salivary glands, three on each side of the face. Saliva is produced by different salivary glands. The main ones are:
- The submandibular glands, located under the mandible (lower jaw). Their saliva excretion channel opens near the frenulum of the tongue.
- The parotid glands, located in front of the ear, in the cheek. Their canal opens on the internal face of the cheek, at the level of the molars.
- The sublingual glands, located under the tongue. Their canal also opens near the frenulum of the tongue.
- Minor salivary glands, numbering several hundred, line the mucous membrane of the mouth and produce about 10% of total saliva.
If there is a problem, however, your saliva glands may not be producing and you will experience dry mouth. This might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it is important to get it checked out by your dentist. Prolonged dry mouth can have detrimental effects on quality of life and the oral cavity. It must be managed in order to eliminate possible causes, relieve symptoms and prevent the appearance of cavities.
Removal of factors favoring dry mouth
When a reduction in salivary secretion appears as a side effect of a medication, you should talk to your doctor. If possible, he or she may try to change your treatment to replace or stop the medication in question. If this replacement is impossible, an adaptation of the dosage can sometimes be considered. It is also recommended to avoid taking these medications right before bedtime.
Drugstore products to relieve dry mouth
Different drugstore products acting as saliva substitutes, lubricants or humectants can be offered to combat insufficient saliva secretion. Based on ingredients such as glycerol esters, carboxymethylcellulose, povidone or hyaluronic acid, they come in the form of gels, sprays, mouthwash solutions or even chewing gums. They can provide relief for a short time.
Drug treatments for dry mouth
There are few medications to treat dry mouth. You will need to speak with your dentist if you have dry mouth and they will help diagnose the underlying causes and help you treat the ailment.
How to prevent dry mouth?
It is difficult to prevent dry mouth. If this is linked to the person breathing through the mouth, particularly at night, it is necessary to seek to correct the causes of this habit (for example, by treating allergic rhinitis problems). If dry mouth is related to a medication, write down its name to avoid taking it again. Tell your doctor and dentist.