Dry Mouth- A Decreased Flow Of Saliva
We all need saliva to moisten and cleanse our mouths and digest food. Saliva also prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth. When we don't produce enough saliva, our mouth gets dry and uncomfortable. It's a problem that can kill your appetite, crimp your social life, even cause cavities, but it's not talked about much - perhaps because its sufferers also find it hard to speak. The problem is dry mouth, an all too common condition among older adults that can result in rampant tooth decay if gone unchecked. Seniors are particularly prone because many of the medications they take, including drugs to control hypertension and depression, dry out the mouth. Dry mouth can also be a side effect of antihistamines, decongestants, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and conditions like Parkinson's and diabetes.
Those afflicted may experience a constant sore throat, dry nasal passages, a loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing and speaking, and, ultimately, dental decay. That's because saliva, in addition to lubricating the mouth, also helps rinse away and neutralize the bacteria and acids that lead to cavities. Sufferers seeking relief may unknowingly compound the problem by sucking on sugary hard candies that can contribute to cavities.
Older adults often are unaware of their dental needs. Many believe, for example, that because they saw a dentist regularly during their working years, they don't need to see one now. Some assume they're going to lose their teeth anyway. The truth is, thanks to improved dental care, most people over the age of 65 still have most of their natural teeth.
The medical term for dry mouth is xerostomia, and it is a condition which occurs when the production of saliva sharply decreases or stops altogether. Saliva is the clear, watery solution which is present in the mouth at all times, and its function is to lubricate the mouth so that we can speak and taste our food. It also aids in preventing tooth decay as it washes away food and plaque from the surface of the teeth.
People who suffer from dry mouth are at increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease and a range of other illnesses affecting the soft tissues of the mouth. The diet may also be severely affected because food cannot be tasted as it normally would. With the help of oraMD all natural health products, you can keep away from having dry mouth or even more chronic mouth diseases.