Questions and Answers

Dry mouth

Date: 12 May 1997 10:46:24 -0400

960  DRY MOUTH 

For some time I have experienced a problem with a lack of saliva. My
mouth is 
constantly dry and the tip of my tongue is red. My tongue often sticks
to my 
pallet and hurts when I try to dislodge it. Also, the inside of my lip
sticks 
to my teeth and is raw and red. I am a female, aged 63 years. Can you
help me? 

AMSWERED BY ALAN WU, DDS,DDPH

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, may occur as we age, but can also occur as a 
result of mouth breathing, certain medications, diseases of the salivary
glands, radiation or oxygen therapy.

Some measures that could be taken to relieve dry mouth are:

        - increase water intake
        - chew SUGARLESS gum, suck on SUGARLESS candy
        - avoid spicy, salty or highly acidic foods
        - avoid drinks containing caffeine
        - avoid products containing tobacco or alcohol (commercial mouth
          rinses included)
        - rinse with saline solution (2 tsp. salt in 1 litre water)

Since saliva is a valuable buffer against acid attacks on the teeth, it
is
important that when saliva is reduced, cleaning of the teeth be done 
properly, and sugary foods and drinks be avoided as much as possible, in 
order to guard against dental decay.

PLEASE NOTE:  
The information contained on this system is not intended to supplant
individual professional consultation. It is offered solely as a
community education service. Advice on  individual problems should be
obtained directly from a professional.  

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