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Dry Mouth May Complicate Medical Conditions, Experts Say
Reuters Health June 7, 2000| Other News | |
Illness, damage to salivary glands, and drug side-effects can result in an inadequate supply of saliva in the mouth. Dry mouth is a common problem, especially in the elderly who take several medication.
Dry mouth is a common side-effect of many prescription drugs, and one that is often thought of as harmless. In reality, compounds that cause tooth decay are washed away by saliva. Therefore, too little saliva in the mouth can lead to cavities, infections and even gum disease.
Additionally, dry mouth can be an obstacle in social situations, too. It can be difficult to speak, or even to clean the food off teeth when eating.
Compounding the problem are patients and doctors who are unaware of the problem. To combat the problem, more frequent brushing, less frequent snacking, and less sugary foods are suggested. Changing the dosage of medication or switching medications could also be a solution.
