Xerostomia

Numerous symptoms accompany the condition of dry mouth. The main reason behind xerostomia is a lower amount of saliva in the mouth. The first one any dentist would notice is a higher prevalence of caries. The mouth is extremely dry, and the mucosa looks different. You can notice that all surfaces are dry with only one look. Patients feel that sensation, plus often feel tingling or even pain. Because of the dryness, they can suffer from ruptures inside the oral cavity, or around the mouth on the corners, Saliva is a very important protecting factor in the oral cavity. With the lack of saliva, there will be more dental decay. Patients will also notice that their taste of food has changed, which is also called dysgeusia. Xerostomia can really affect the emotional and physical state of people. Another symptom is oral candidiasis caused by the Candida species. These people are more likely to even have a disturbing smell. Because of the dry mucosa, patients will experience difficulties in chewing and swallowing the food. The saliva provides a lubricating effect, which is now gone. Another thing that people will notice is an uncomfortable smell coming from their mouth. Since the saliva flow is much lower, the oral cavity becomes more inhabited with bacteria, and there is more food residue. There is not enough liquid to provide self-cleaning. Another symptom that always appears is thirst, due to the very dry tissues. Patients can suffer from common infections of the salivary glands, and that can be the main reason for the hyposalivation. The range of symptoms is very diverse and depends on the age and the cause.