Causes and Risk Factors of Dry Mouth Syndrome
Posted on 7/4/2022 by Hilton Israelson, DDS |
 Dry mouth syndrome (DMS) is a condition that affects many people worldwide. It can be caused by various factors, including medications, radiation therapy, and Sjogren's Syndrome. Read on to know the causes and risk factors of DMS.
What Is Dry Mouth Syndrome?
Dry mouth syndrome is a condition that can occur for various reasons. It can be a side effect of certain medications, a symptom of certain medical conditions, or simply a result of dehydration. Regardless of the cause, dry mouth syndrome can be very uncomfortable, making it difficult to speak, eat, or even swallow. It can also lead to various stages of tooth decay and other oral health problems in severe cases. Several treatments for dry mouth syndrome are available, including over-the-counter medications, saliva substitutes, and home remedies. However, the best way to treat dry mouth syndrome is to identify and treat the underlying cause.
What Are Causes and Risk Factors?
There are several causes of dry mouth syndrome. Medications are a common cause, with over 400 medications known to cause dry mouth as a side effect. These include antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, and even some antidepressants. Radiation therapy can also cause dry mouth syndrome, as can Sjogren's Syndrome, a condition that affects the salivary glands. Other possible causes include mouth breathers, mouth breathers, and people who smoke cigarettes. People with medical conditions are also at risk for dry mouth syndrome. These include diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke.
Prevention and Treatments
There are several ways to prevent and treat dry mouth syndrome. If you take medication that causes dry mouth, talk to your doctor about switching to a different medication. If you are undergoing radiation therapy, your doctor may prescribe a saliva substitute or recommend other treatments. Sjogren's Syndrome can be treated with medications like pilocarpine and cevimeline. Home remedies for dry mouth syndrome include sucking on sugar-free candy, chewing gum, or drinking water frequently. You should also avoid tobacco products and mouthwashes that contain alcohol and caffeine.
If you have dry mouth syndrome, see our dentist regularly to prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems.
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