Xerostomia is a clinical condition in which the normal flow of saliva is reduced leading to dry mouth.

Causes of dry mouth

• Radiation – radiation exposure in the head and neck region is a line of treatment for cancer patients. These radiations cause changes in salivary glands reducing the flow of saliva.
• Medication – various classes of drugs cause dry mouth. These include anticonvulsant drugs, anti hypertensive drugs, antispasmodic drugs, etc.
• Smoking, mouth breathing, decreased chewing causes  dry mouth.
• Abnormalities in the development of, tumour of salivary gland,  salivary gland, autoimmune diseases. (image of salivary gland)
• Nutritional deficiency like vitamin A deficiency, iron deficiency anemia.
• Diabetes causes reduced salivary flow.
• HIV patients.
• Patients having sjogrens syndrome.

Signs and symptoms

• Patient will have increased thirst especially during eating.
• Because of decreased salivary flow swallowing and speech  becomes difficult.
• Increased incidence of oral infection.
• Patient complains of abnormal taste in the mouth.
• Enlargement of salivary gland is also seen.
• Xerostomia might also be associated with blurred vision, itching and burning of eyes.
• It might lead to itching and drying sensation in vagina.
• Dry mouth increases the incidence of dental cavity.
• Saliva which is present in the mouth is foamy and rope like.

Management

• Can use chewing gums, mints and rinses but its effects are short lived.
• Systemic stimulation with the use of drugs like bromhexine, pilocarpine.
• Salivary substitutes like carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, artificial sweetners, salts etc.
• Meticulous oral hygiene should be maintained by the patient.
• Drugs that cause dry mouth should be discontinued.

Home remedies for the patient

• Include lemonade, tart and sweet food in your diet to stimulate salivary flow.
• Sucking of sugar free candy will help induce salivation.
• AVOID chocolates, pastries,dry foods like cookies.
• AVOID  over salty food.
• Eat soft diet and drink lot of fluids.
• Have small sip of water frequently like having food so that swallowing becomes easy.
• Have water even when you are talking.