Bleaching / Teeth whitening/ Bleaching discoloured teeth

          Dry mouth/Xerostomia

Xerostomia is commonly known as dryness mouth. It results from an inadequate flow of saliva. It  often occurs as a symptom of a medical disorder or a side effect of certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers, diuretics and many others.

Symptoms of Dry Mouth?

Common symptoms include:

• A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
• Frequent thirst
•  Cracked lips and Mouth sores at the corners of the mouth. 
• A dry feeling in the throat
• tingling  or burning sensation in the mouth and especially on the tongue. 
• A dry, red, raw tongue. 
• Problems speaking or trouble tasting, chewing, and swallowing
• Hoarseness, dry nasal passages, sore throat. 
• Bad breath. 

Causes of xerostomia-

1) Medicines

Drugs like Antihistamines, decongestants, hypertensive medications , muscle relaxants, urinary continence drugs, some  Parkinson's disease medications, as well as a number of antidepressants can cause dry mouth. 

2) Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy drugs

Nature and amount of saliva produced is changed temporarily on using chemotherapy drugs. Depending on the radiation dose and area treated, saliva production is decreased temporarily or permanently.

3) Nerve damage to head and neck area results in dry mouth. 

4) older adults
 medications taken by elderly people can cause dry mouth.

5) Drinking Alcohol, eating tobacco and smoking

6) Marijuana can cause dry mouth. 

7) some health conditions

Like diabetes, stroke, thrush, AIDS can cause dry mouth. 

Treatment  and Tips to control Dry mouth

Medicines 

If the dry mouth  is caused by a certain drug, the doctor will either alter the dosage or prescribe another drug which is less likely to cause dry mouth.

Saliva producing stimulators
Drugs may be prescribed to stimulate the production of saliva, such as pilocarpine (Salagen) or cevimeline (Evoxac).

• sugar-free gum to be chewed

• Sugar-free hard candies  and sugar free gums to stimulate the flow of saliva. 

• caffeine intake to be limited. 

• Mouthwashes  that contain alcohol should be avoided. 

• Consuming tobacco should be stopped. 

• Sip water regularly.

•  Products containing xylitol. 

• Use Mouthwash designed  specially for dry mouth — especially one that contains xylitol, such as Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse or ACT Total Care Dry Mouth Mouthwash, which also offer protection against tooth decay.

• using over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants should be avoided because they can make your symptoms worse.

• Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.

• Using humidifier to increase moisture to the air at night . 

HOME REMEDIES FOR DRY MOUTH AT NIGHT

 simple antidotes and lifestyle changes that may prove effective in curing symptoms of dry mouth .These include:

• Use humidifier to improve room air moisture levels.
• use of nasal strips to make it easier to breathe from your nose.
• Making dietary changes to avoid foods that can exacerbate the condition. Acidic or spicy foods can be particularly irritating.
• caffeine and alcohol,to be avoided, as both act to dry out the mouth.
• Quitting (or cutting back on) tobacco use.
• Having a renewed focus on oral hygiene. Proper care of the teeth includes brushing twice per day and flossing.
• Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Chewing mint or parsley during the day.