Xerostomia (Dry Mouth) occurs when there is not enough saliva in the mouth. Saliva is important because it can help cleanse and lubricate the oral cavity. It also contains antigen which helps fight bacteria and fungal infection. If there is decreased salivary secretion, this will increase the chance of bacteria infection, periodontitis and tooth cavity.
Xerostomia can happen to anyone. Most commonly it can happen to the elderly person. Some medication can cause xerostomia. In some cases, chemotherapy for cancer treatment can cause xerostomia.
The solution to xerostomia is to drink plenty of water. It is recommended to drink at least equivalent of 8 cups of water. Alternatively, doctor can prescribe a different medication which won’t cause xerostomia. For severe cases of xerostomia, doctor can prescribe saliva analogs to alleviate the symptoms of xerostomia.
