#MDry mouth: Many causes and what you can do about it

What is meant by dry mouth?

Dry mouth (also called xerostomia) is the feeling that there is not enough saliva in the oral cavity. Without saliva, it would be very difficult to chew, swallow, and speak food. The saliva aids in digestion and also prevents infection by controlling the bacteria naturally found in the mouth. The saliva also prevents tooth decay.

The most common cause of dry mouth is side effects from medications. Other causes of dry mouth include cancer treatments, use of oxygen (COPD), shortness of breath (asthma or other respiratory diseases), autoimmune diseases (lupus, Bechet, HIV/AIDS), long-term degenerative diseases (MS, Parkinson's, motor neurons), people with kidney disease or with fluid restriction (so they feel thirsty), unable to eat anything orally (PEG or NG diet), rheumatoid arthritis, or something as simple as mouth breathing, smoking, stress, anxiety and bad breath.

Does drinking water help with the feeling and symptoms of dry mouth?

Drinking water can help to a certain extent. However, it should be noted that dry mouth is just a condition that has little to do with thirst. Many people aren't thirsty, they just have a constant feeling of dryness, so drinking water doesn't necessarily help. So drinking water doesn't necessarily help. However, small sips of warm water and slow swallowing can help and should not flush the saliva from the glands. Avoiding alcoholic beverages or liquids, e.g. B. mouthwashes and caffeinated hot drinks, also promotes the flow of saliva.

dry mouth and diabetes

It is not uncommon for symptoms of dry mouth to be the cause of undiagnosed diabetes. Dry mouth can be both the cause and symptom of high blood sugar levels and therefore worsen the side effects of diabetes. Also, canker sores can develop more easily in a mouth with low saliva levels, since the high levels of glucose in saliva make it resistant to infection.

To relieve dry mouth

Gengigel spray or Gengigel gel can be used to provide long-term relief from dry mouth. It adheres very well to the oral cavity and provides immediate relief. The natural active ingredient (sodium hyaluronate) helps to balance the oral flora and prevent infections. After brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with Gengigel Mouthwash to further promote gum health and reduce redness and inflammation.