What does it mean by dry mouth?
The condition of dry mouth, or xerostomia, arises when the salivary glands in the mouth fail to produce enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. In many cases, the cause of dry mouth is a side effect of certain medications, or age-related problems, or radiation therapy for cancer. The salivary glands may be directly affected by a condition that causes dry mouth, but this occurs less frequently.
Saliva neutralizes acids produced by bacteria, reduces bacterial proliferation, and washes away food particles, which helps prevent tooth decay. Saliva also improves your capacity to taste and makes it easier to chew and swallow. In addition, enzymes in saliva aid in digesting.
Decreased saliva and dry mouth can range from being merely an annoyance to something that greatly effects your general health and the health of your teeth and gums and your appetite and enjoyment of eating.
What are the causes for dry mouth?
When the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist, you will experience a dry mouth. It is possible that these glands will not function adequately as a result of:
Medications. Hundreds of medications, including many over-the-counter medications, have been linked to dry mouth as a negative side effect. Certain types of medications are more likely to create difficulties than others. These include pharmaceuticals intended to treat depression, high blood pressure, anxiety, as well as antihistamines, decongestants, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers.
Aging. With age comes dry mouth, which affects a large proportion of the population. In addition to the usage of specific medications, changes in the body’s ability to metabolize medication, poor nutrition, and having long-term health problems are also contributing factors to this condition.
Treatment for cancer. Chemotherapy medications have the potential to alter the composition and quantity of saliva produced. It is possible that this is a transient condition, with normal salivary flow returning after the treatment is done. Radiation treatments to the head and neck can cause salivary glands to become inflamed, resulting in a significant decrease in saliva production.
Nerve injury is a problem. You may experience dry mouth as a result of an injury or surgery that causes nerve damage in your head and neck area.
There are also health issues to consider. Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of medical illnesses, including diabetes, stroke, yeast infection (thrush) in your mouth, Alzheimer’s disease, and autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome and HIV/AIDS. Some medications can also cause it. Dry mouth can be exacerbated by snoring and breathing with your mouth open while sleeping.
Tobacco and alcoholic beverage use. The consumption of alcoholic beverages, as well as the smoking or chewing of tobacco, can exacerbate dry mouth symptoms.
Use of illegal drugs for recreational purposes. In addition to severe dry mouth and tooth destruction, methamphetamine usage can develop a disease known as “meth mouth.” Marijuana can also produce dry mouth as a side effect.
How to use mouth swabs for dry mouth?
Sugar-free mouth swab sticks with a pleasant taste and flavor that stimulate the saliva glands, offering refreshment and relief for patients who have a restricted oral intake are now available. This product relieves the discomfort of a dry mouth thanks to the refreshing taste and soft tip. It is great for oral lubrication in patients under general anesthesia, those on oxygen, or those receiving medication therapy treatment.
What are the best oral swabs for dry mouth?
Lemon & Glycerine Swabs 3’s
The following are the characteristics of the Dynarex Lemon Glycerin Swabsticks.
A lemon glycerin solution with a pleasant taste. And also it refreshes and soothes parched lips and tongues. You can use this excellent product for those with a restricted oral intake schedule.
Touchette Plus Oral Swab
Touchette Plus swabs are a mild alternative to traditional brushing when traditional brushing is uncomfortable. When used with the ultra-soft swabs, the characteristic ridges help lift debris and mucus while cleaning between teeth and stimulating oral tissues while remaining gentle on the mouth.
Dentists Disposable Untreated Oral Swabs
Longer foam swabs from Dentists make cleaning your teeth easier and faster, and they are also excellent for people who have a dry mouth. The swabs have lengthy plastic handles that serve to prevent cross-contamination from occurring. For clinical purposes, the product is available in a range of packaging choices, including resealable bags and handy dispenser packs. This product is ideal for use with Biotene products.
Dynarex Lemon Glycerin Swabs, 75 Count
A pleasant taste is imparted to lemon glycerin swabs, which effectively relax and refresh dry mouths in patients who have restricted oral intake. Additionally, in addition to glycerin, the lemon flavor within the swab stimulates the taste buds, resulting in increased saliva production. Patients who suffer from dry mouth can benefit from using lemon glycerin swabs.