Burning mouth after taking antibiotics. Natural ways to relieve dry mouth. Why does it bake in your mouth?

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a decrease in intensity or cessation of saliva production, leading to dryness of the oral mucosa. It is not an independent disease, but acts as a symptom in the presence of many ailments.

The appearance of dryness in the oropharynx is often accompanied by concomitant symptoms - a burning sensation in the mouth, disturbances in taste, speech, chewing or swallowing functions, and the appearance of a metallic taste. This problem requires a comprehensive diagnosis to determine the exact cause of its occurrence and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Main causes of dry mouth

The occurrence of dry mouth at night (during sleep and immediately after waking up) and its absence during the day is normal. This situation is caused by mouth breathing and snoring, which manifest themselves in the presence of various pathologies (deviated nasal septums, sinusitis, rhinitis (including the chronic form), the presence of polyps in the nose, hay fever).

Impaired salivation can occur as a result of traumatic damage to the salivary glands during various dental procedures and operations. Dry throat is often observed in people who abuse smoking. The presence of signs uncharacteristic of the normal state (whitish coating on the tongue, a feeling of bitterness and dryness in the mouth, thirst, rapid heartbeat, and others) indicates the development of various pathologies and requires a visit to a specialist for a full examination and diagnosis.

Dry mouth due to illness

Many diseases accompanied by blood loss, vomiting, diarrhea, increased sweating, hyperthermia, cause dehydration of the body, resulting in drying out of the mucous membranes. Thus, dry mouth occurs with the following ailments:

• Diseases of the digestive system (gastritis, cholecystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, duodenitis, dysbacteriosis, bile duct dyskinesia).
• Infectious diseases (flu, mumps, sore throat). Associated symptoms are hyperthermia, signs of general intoxication, pain in the affected areas.
• Thyrotoxicosis. Sweating, protruding eyes, weight loss, tremors of the limbs, rapid heartbeat, causeless irritability, and various sleep disorders are observed.
• Sjögren's disease is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by damage to exogenous glands. Manifested by photophobia, speech and swallowing disorders, dry mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth, itching of the affected areas, blepharitis, conjunctivitis. Pain in muscle tissue and joints may occur.
• Injuries or diseases of the salivary glands (mumps, sialostasis, Mikulicz's disease, tumor-like lesions). Xerostomia is combined with swelling of the gland and its pain.
• Systemic scleroderma is a fibrous proliferation of connective tissues.
• Pancreatitis. Dryness is detected against a background of nausea, belching, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Glandular cheilitis. Accompanied by dehydration and peeling of the lips, cracking of their corners, the occurrence of jams and erosive formations.
• Iron-deficiency anemia. Associated symptoms are pallor of the mucous membranes and skin, general weakness, increased fatigue, tinnitus, dizziness.
• Avitaminosis. As a result of insufficient intake of retinol (vitamin A) into the body, the integumentary tissue grows, which leads to blockage of the salivary glands.
• HIV. A decrease in saliva production is observed against the background of general exhaustion of the body.
• Cystic fibrosis is a genetic systemic disease that affects exogenous glands (external secretion).

Dry mouth can be a sign of various disorders resulting from surgical operations or a consequence of nervous overexcitation. It is a characteristic symptom in the case of menopause and is accompanied by hot flashes, anxiety, sleep disturbances, pain in the joints and heart area, drying of the mucous membranes of the vagina, eyes, and oropharynx.

Dry mouth from medication use

A decrease in saliva production is often a side effect that occurs when using certain medications. The simultaneous use of such drugs increases the manifestation of xerostomia. Medicines that contribute to its appearance:

• Antibiotics.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Antihistamines (antiallergic) drugs.
• Psychotropic medications, antidepressants, muscle relaxants.
• Antihypertensive, vasoconstrictor drugs.
• Diuretics, decongestants.
• Antitumor drugs.
• Bronchodilators.
• Antifungal agents.

Dry mucous membranes may be caused by exceeding recommended dosages, violation of the rules for taking medications, or the body’s individual reaction to their intake from the outside. In case of significant discomfort that worsens the quality of life, it is recommended to prescribe analogue drugs that do not provoke the development of xerostomia.

Dry mouth during pregnancy

If a pregnant woman follows the correct drinking regime, the problem, as a rule, is not observed, since saliva production increases during this period of life. Possible reasons for decreased salivation:

• Gestational diabetes. Characterized by the presence of a metallic or sour taste. Requires a test to determine the amount of glucose in the blood, as well as a sugar tolerance test.
• Insufficient fluid intake into the body. Against the background of increased urination during pregnancy, the need to drink increases.
• Potassium deficiency. In addition to xerostomia, the following signs indicate a deficiency of this macroelement: the occurrence of convulsions, vomiting, drowsiness, hypotension, increased fatigue and weakness, incoordination of movements.
• Violation of water-salt metabolism. It can occur with abuse of fried, sweet, salty foods. The situation is significantly aggravated if there is a lack of drinking water in the diet.
• Excess magnesium. Manifests itself in the form of hypotension, nausea, increased sweating, double vision, and headaches. Slow, slurred speech and intermittent bouts of redness of the facial skin were detected.

Constant dry mouth in pregnant women is often observed in the summer, which is associated with increased sweating. To eliminate xerostomia, it is recommended to maintain optimal microclimate conditions in the apartment, maintain an adequate drinking regime and diet.

Bitterness and dry mouth

A decrease in salivation in combination with bitterness in the mouth and some other characteristic signs (belching, the presence of plaque on the mucous membrane of the tongue, heartburn) indicates the presence of various problems and diseases:

• Digestive system. Symptoms are typical for pancreatitis, biliary dyskinesia, duodenitis, gallbladder pathologies (including cholelithiasis), cholecystitis, and various forms of gastritis.
• Inflammation of the gums. Accompanied by the appearance of a metallic taste, burning of the affected gums and tongue.
• Use of antibiotics, antihistamines. Feelings of bitterness and dryness are side effects when taking certain drugs from these pharmacological groups.
• Amenorrhea.
• Psychoneurotic disorders (psychoses, depressive states, neuroses).

The reason for this combination of symptoms is also the presence of thyroid disease. In the case of hyperfunction, an increase in the production of adrenaline has been established, resulting in spasm of the smooth muscles of the biliary system.

Dizziness and dry mouth

The main cause is hypotension, a disease characterized by low blood pressure. Distinctive signs of this disease are also increased fatigue and pain in the occipital region (most noticeable when bending forward). Pronounced symptoms are observed in the morning, in the evening hours lethargy and weakness occur. There are other reasons:

• Impaired blood supply to the brain (including its primary lesions).
• Malfunctions of the vestibular apparatus.
• Significant blood loss.
• Vegetative-vascular dystonia.
• Iron-deficiency anemia.
• Avitaminosis.

Such a clinical picture, manifested in combination with signs of a digestive system disorder (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), may indicate general intoxication of the body and requires identifying the exact cause of poisoning.

Thirst, frequent urination and dry mouth

Unreasonable thirst and, as a result, frequent urge to urinate against the background of low levels of salivation indicate the presence of kidney disease (including chronic inflammatory processes). In addition, this symptomatology is characteristic of the following ailments:

• Diabetes. Additional signs of the disease are a sharp change in body weight, the formation of pockets in the corners of the lips, itchy skin, migraine, and the development of furunculosis. In women, itching is detected in the pubic area, in the vagina, in men - the presence of inflammatory phenomena on the foreskin, decreased potency.
• Climax. During menopause, as a result of the fading of the functions of the gonads, chest discomfort, defecation disorders, and dizziness are observed. In the presence of menopausal syndrome, drying of the mucous membranes of the eyes and pharynx, swelling, and pain in the heart muscle and joints are possible.

The presence of severe dry mouth in combination with such a complex of symptoms requires urgent contact with a therapist (if necessary, a urologist, endocrinologist) and passing the appropriate tests (blood glucose, general urine and blood tests).

Ways to eliminate dry mouth

The main condition for treating this problem is to determine the cause that caused its occurrence. If you have bad habits (smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages), you need to give them up. You should also maintain optimal microclimate parameters (humidity and temperature levels) in residential areas.

It is recommended to minimize the consumption of fried, salty foods, and increase the volume of fluid consumed (drinking water) to 2 liters per day. To stimulate salivation, hot pepper is included in the recipe of dishes. Alternative medicine products are highly effective:

• Echinacea solution (10 drops) is diluted in juice (200 ml). The liquid is taken three times a day.
• A mixture is prepared from chamomile, blueberries, calamus root and sage herb. 1 tbsp. l. The resulting composition is brewed with boiling water (250 ml) and left for 45 - 55 minutes. The broth is filtered through a piece of gauze and used in the form of mouth rinses up to 5 times a day.
• 50 ml of a mixture of juices (apple, cabbage, potato) is diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio. The product is used immediately before meals.
• A mixture is made from plantain, sea buckthorn, mint, rose hips, calendula, red rowan (1 tablespoon of each ingredient). 1 tbsp. l. vegetable raw materials are poured with half a liter of boiling water. The infusion is left for 3 - 4 hours, then filtered. The decoction is used for rinsing or oral use in a dose of 50 ml per dose up to 3 times a day.

To prevent the possibility of xerostomia, you should not use alcohol-containing mouth rinses. It is recommended to adhere to a diet that excludes any harmful foods and involves the use of a fractional meal plan.

Dry mouth is familiar to almost everyone. But not everyone knows that this condition has a medical name “xerostomia”, that is, insufficient hydration with saliva.

The reason is poor functioning of the glands that secrete saliva. And the reason for this, in turn, may be stress or taking certain medications, undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, immune and autoimmune disorders, and smoking. As you can see, there are many reasons.

On the one hand, there may be no reason for concern, since this rarely happens to any person with strong anxiety. The phrase “My mouth is dry from excitement” is familiar to many.

However, if severe dry mouth haunts you constantly, then there is a reason to analyze your health, as this may be a signal of the onset of a serious illness. After all, saliva is directly related to the functioning of the digestive tract and protects teeth from caries and infections.

Main reasons

There are a number of reasons why the salivary glands do not perform their functions well. This may be a consequence of taking medications. There are approximately 400 drugs that inhibit the salivary glands. These are antihistamines, lower blood pressure, etc.

If we talk about dry mouth as a harbinger of diseases, then among them there are very unpleasant diseases, which primarily affect the functions of salivation. These are diabetes mellitus, lymphorganulomatosis, HIV, Parkinson's and Sjögren's disease.

Dysfunction of the salivary glands and dry mouth are consequences of radiation therapy to the head and neck for oncology. In such cases, impaired salivation may be temporary or permanent. Chemotherapy causes approximately the same symptoms.

Hormonal changes, caused, for example, by menopause, also have a depressing effect on salivation, causing a feeling of dry mouth in women at this time. Tobacco smoke, inhaled daily by smokers, is the cause of dry mouth in heavy smokers.

The only way to get rid of the problem is to remove the causes of the disease. If these are certain medications prescribed by a doctor, then you should discuss with him the issue of reducing the dosage or prescribing another medication. If it takes longer to eliminate the cause of dryness, then there are several ways to solve this problem.

Ways to solve the problem

Use mouth moisturizers, something like a saliva substitute. Using rinses will also significantly reduce the symptoms of dryness. Consume more tea and sugar-free drinks.

It is necessary to avoid caffeinated drinks and all sugary carbonated drinks; drinking them only increases thirst and dry mouth. You can suck on sugar-free candies or chewing gum to stimulate saliva production. You will have to give up smoking and drinking alcohol. Still, health is more valuable.

It's no secret that eating spicy and salty foods can cause pain if a person suffers from dry mouth. Or cause a condition when they say that there is a “lump in the throat.”

Now we have looked at those moments of dry mouth that do not pose a particular health hazard. Now let's look in more detail at those points that require a more careful approach, since ignoring them can lead to very unpleasant consequences.

Pre-morbid symptoms

In pregnant women

Dry mouth also occurs in pregnant women. In general, in pregnant women who follow a drinking regime, this phenomenon is extremely rare, due to the fact that salivation, as is known, only increases during pregnancy. If dryness is caused by hot weather, then there is no cause for concern.

But when dryness is accompanied by sourness and a metallic taste, this indicates a gestational form of diabetes. It can be diagnosed by glucose tests.

Also, dry mouth in pregnant women, accompanied by frequent urination, is a sign of an excess of magnesium and a severe deficiency of potassium.

Diabetes and gastrointestinal problems

Dry mouth and constant thirst are signs of diabetes. The same symptoms, accompanied by abdominal pain, indicate intestinal pathology. If to this is added a yellow-white coating on the tongue, plus heartburn and increased gas formation, then we can talk about pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract and a number of other diseases, including problems with the gallbladder and biliary dyskinesia.

Various forms of neuroses, psychoses and other problems of a neuropsychological nature are also characterized by these signs. If they are present, coupled with pain on the right side, we can talk about cholelithiasis or cholecystitis.

Pathologies of the thyroid gland, as a result of which the bile duct spasms, which causes bitterness in the mouth, and the tongue becomes covered with a yellow-white coating, also leads to a decrease in the functioning of the salivary glands. Gastritis can also be accompanied by stomach pain, nausea, heartburn, and severe dryness and bitterness in the mouth. In most of these cases, the culprit is the bacteria Helicobacter pylori.

Hypotension

Hypotension is also accompanied by signs of dry mouth. Added to this is dizziness. This problem has struck most of the world's inhabitants in recent years, and many simply do not pay attention to it. But weakness, dizziness and pain in the occipital region should alert anyone who has these signs. This can lead to hypotensive crisis or shock. Hypotonic and hypertensive patients quite often suffer from dizziness, weakness and dry mouth, especially in the evening.

As you can see, a seemingly simple problem, seemingly associated only with the mouth, can warn of many quite serious diseases that are beginning. If alarming symptoms appear, you should immediately contact your doctor and undergo an appropriate examination. It is easier to prevent any disease than to treat it later.

We recommend drinking at least 2 liters of clean water per day. Add hot peppers to your diet if there are no contraindications. Pepper activates salivation, as it contains capsaicin, which stimulates the salivary glands.

We hope that in this material you did not find any symptoms that you might have!

Bitterness in the mouth after taking antibiotics is not the only symptom. An unpleasant aftertaste may appear immediately when taking medications and may not go away until you stop taking them.

Antibiotic drugs create a direct effect, that is, they immediately enter the body through saliva. Accordingly, a person feels a bitter taste immediately and this is not a reason to stop taking the medicine.

Additionally, some antibiotics cause bitterness in the mouth due to damage to the gastrointestinal tract. From drugs, bile stagnates in the body and can additionally cause pain, in addition to the feeling of bitterness in the mouth while taking antibiotics. Sometimes jaundice develops, body temperature increases, urine darkens and feces become discolored. Due to the disruption of glycogen accumulation in the body, apathy and weakness occur.

Causes

The main reason for bitterness in the mouth due to antibiotics is due to the strong effect of drugs on the body and the fact that their metabolism occurs in the liver. It is she who begins to suffer first from the effects of active components. If the liver has previously been affected by any diseases, a bitter taste in the mouth cannot be avoided.

Damage to organ tissue leads to disruption of detoxification functions, and antibiotic drugs are perceived by the liver as a source of toxic substances, causing exacerbation of health problems.

If you have any liver problems and you know about them, be sure to tell your doctor about them, who will prescribe antibiotics. Drugs like Moxifloxacin and Levofloxacin are especially dangerous.

How to prevent bitterness in the mouth after antibiotics?

To reduce the risk of side effects such as bitterness in the mouth after antibiotics, you must follow simple rules for taking medications:

1. To maintain normal levels of the active substance in the body, you need to adhere to the medication dosage schedule.
2. The tablets should be taken with plain water or weak tea.
3. After a course of antibiotic treatment, you can take probiotics to restore the damaged microflora.
4. Follow a healthy diet (avoid fatty, spicy and fried foods).
5. Don't drink alcohol.
6. Do not take antibiotics with meals (this should be done an hour before or after meals).

How to get rid of it?

Treatment of bitterness that occurs when taking antibiotics is carried out in stages. The treatment process begins with cleansing the intestines of pathogenic microorganisms. To do this, you can use plants with antibacterial activity - gray blackberries, common anise or calamus.

The next stage of treatment involves the adsorption of pollutants from the intestines. The following drugs are suitable for this:

The final stage of the fight against bitterness in the mouth from antibiotics requires the colonization of normal flora in the intestines. Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, whose properties help with bitterness in the mouth, will help you do this. A bitter taste in the mouth from antibiotics is normal, but now you know how to quickly get rid of the disease.

Many people have personally experienced dry and bitter mouth due to antibiotics. In today's material we will tell you how the disease manifests itself, why it occurs and how to get rid of it.

Can dry mouth begin after a course of antibiotics?

After a course of antibiotics, anything can happen, including dry mouth. As a rule, side effects make themselves felt even while taking antibiotics, and they are warned about in the instructions. Usually, the doctor prescribes other drugs in parallel with antibiotics, which partially neutralize the negative effects of antibiotics.

But dry mouth can also be caused by disruptions in the nervous system, which affects the salivary glands. In addition, it may be a symptom of another disease that you are not yet aware of, so it is better to approach this issue comprehensively and with the participation of your doctor.

Dry mouth after antibiotics

After treatment for “acute bronchitis due to ARVI” (this was the diagnosis written by the doctor) and taking a significant number of pills (they changed the treatment regimen twice, took 3 different antibiotics and a bunch of cough pills, etc.) I have terrible dry mouth. There is no feeling of thirst, just the tongue is dry, the palate is dry and rough, all the mucous membranes are dry. Even if you put water in your mouth, everything is still rough. The doctor said it will pass. It’s been a month since I stopped taking the medication, but in the morning I wake up with my tongue stuck. During a conversation I can barely turn it around.

What can be done in such a situation?

It seems to me that this is a consequence of taking antibiotics, a side effect. Try drinking more water and eliminating salty and spicy foods from your diet. If it doesn't go away, go to the doctor

A month after taking antibiotics is a long time! Dry and rough mouth most likely indicates that you have atrophy of the salivary glands. Also, the causes of dryness can be infectious diseases of the respiratory system, diseases of the nervous system, and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. That is, before dealing with the problem, you should find out the exact cause of dry mouth.

You can try increasing saliva production. To do this: drink more water, eat less salty foods, chew gum, suck candy (without sugar), control nasal breathing (that is, do not breathe through your mouth).

Excuse me, but did you have any diarrhea while taking antibiotics? If so, then dehydration has occurred. Drink more water up to 2.5 liters.

Dry mouth after antibiotics may be a symptom of another disease that you don't even know about yet. So it seems to me that it is better for you to approach this issue with the participation of your attending physician.

Dry mouth can be caused by many diseases. The only thing you can do before visiting a doctor is to remove toxins accumulated during such harsh treatment. Drink water, diet and a visit to the doctor is, of course, mandatory.

I beg your pardon, but what course of antibiotic therapy were you prescribed?

Antibiotics should be taken in exceptional cases. Do you smell too strong in the morning? You may have tongue atrophy. Next time, take garlic instead of antibiotics.

There are many reasons that cause dry mouth. In your case, most likely, the dryness occurred while taking medication, most likely bronchodilators and antibiotics. Monitor yourself to see if any other symptoms appear. Perhaps the problems begin with the salivary glands. Rinse your mouth with a decoction of chamomile, oak bark or sage to avoid infection. And if the dryness does not go away, consult a doctor.

I advise you to drink more liquid. The optimal amount is a glass of water before you are going to eat. Also try to limit yourself to salty and spicy foods now.

You need to drink more, but wisely, holding every sip in your mouth. And not with glasses. It is enough to carry a bottle of clean water with you and drink it every half hour. drinking a couple of sips.

Try to drink more than 2 liters of water every day, rinse your mouth with water, herbal decoctions of chamomile and calendula. Ask your doctor or just a pharmacist at a pharmacy to recommend some spray for irrigating your mouth and throat.

To begin with, it would be a good idea to read about the side effects of prescribed antibiotics. Perhaps dry mouth is caused by prolonged use or a malfunction in the body after using them. Also, the cause may be an untreated disease or its complication as a result of improper prescription of medications.

It is best to contact another doctor and ask him what could be the matter. He can also prescribe tests and other diagnostic procedures for you, and based on their results, make the correct diagnosis.

It sounds like you have dry mouth syndrome (xerostomia). This is a disease in which the function of salivation is weakened. In addition to dryness, there may be pain in the mouth when chewing, and inflammation of the mucous membrane. Contact your dentist. Most likely you took medications that can affect the parasympathetic nervous system. I should have looked at the side effects in the instructions. Don't worry, it can be fixed.

Unfortunately, disturbances in salivation occur after taking antibiotics. It is better for you to see a gastroenterologist - diet and necessary bacteria, more water of course, but also watch your hygiene - dental problems may arise.

Indeed, a month has already been a long time since taking antibiotics, in any case, you need to drink more water and see a doctor if there are no changes, but do not delay, this may be a symptom of another disease.

Antibiotics inevitably destroy microflora. This is their purpose. But in addition to pathogenic ones, they also attack natural ones, including in the oral cavity. After any course of antibiotics, it is necessary to restore it. Just not supposedly live yoghurts, but for example bifidumbacterin.

There can be many side effects from taking antibiotics. Well, there's obvious dehydration here. Try to drink more water throughout the day.

It seems to me that you need to go to the doctor. Even if this is a side effect, it lasts too long. For now, I can advise you to drink as much water as possible.

Drinking water will not have a healing effect. Go to a therapist, get tested and he will send you to a highly specialized doctor. The main thing is to find the roots of your illness.

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How to deal with dry mouth?

General information

Xerostomia can be caused by a disease of the salivary glands, a malfunction in the areas of the nervous system responsible for the production of saliva ( neurogenic character), dysfunction of the nervous system, age-related atrophy of the salivary glands.

At the beginning of the development of xerostomia, patients complain of itching of the oral mucosa. If dryness is not controlled, the mucous membrane atrophies, cracks appear on it, and the color becomes bright. Multiple caries is often observed, affecting the lower parts of the tooth. The throat also feels dry.

Causes

1. Side effect of taking certain medications. This effect is not uncommon for drugs sold both with and without a prescription. Dryness can be caused by drugs against colds, allergies, antidepressants, painkillers, drugs prescribed for obesity, for the treatment of acne, mental disorders, enuresis, bronchodilators, for diarrhea and vomiting. In addition, some sedatives and muscle relaxants have the same effect.

3. Side effects with a number of therapeutic methods. Decreased saliva production may occur after radiation to the head or chemotherapy for cancer.

4. Disturbance of innervation. During surgery or injury, the integrity of the nerves in the neck or head may be compromised.

5. Dehydration. Drying of the mucous membranes can occur with dehydration accompanying fever, diarrhea, vomiting, thermal skin lesions, blood loss, and increased sweating.

6. Loss of salivary glands due to surgery.

7. Some bad habits, for example, addiction to nicotine.

Signs

• strong desire to drink,
• feeling of stickiness and dryness in the mouth,
• cracks in the corners of the mouth and on the red border of the lips,
• dry throat,
• the tongue itches, it is hard and red,
• it becomes awkward to speak, hard to swallow,
• the taste perception of food decreases,
• the voice becomes hoarse
• dry nose
• your throat may hurt
• stench in the mouth.

Consequences

The process of using dentures becomes very unpleasant and difficult.

In the morning or at night

1. Poisoning of the body. Including ethanol-containing drinks. This often happens after drinking a fair amount of alcohol or drugs.

2. Impaired nasal breathing. This may be a consequence of rhinitis, as well as tumors of the nasopharynx or snoring.

Dryness and bitterness in the mouth

A combination of dry mouth and bitterness can be observed during treatment with certain drugs, including antiallergic drugs and antibiotics.

Very often, similar symptoms are observed in patients with neurotic disorders and amenorrhea.

Nausea and dryness occur with Helicobacter gastritis

In almost all cases, it is enough to destroy the pathogen so that the signs of gastritis gradually go away on their own.

Dizziness and dryness are signs of hypotension

During pregnancy

But dry mouth cannot be explained by changes in hormonal levels characteristic of pregnancy. On the contrary, during pregnancy many people experience increased saliva production. Therefore, this symptom cannot be ignored.

Dryness can be explained by high air temperatures or low fluid intake. Fluid exchange in the body of a pregnant woman is somewhat different - tissues tend to “store” more fluid in order to increase blood volume. In addition, a pregnant woman urinates more often - fluid is excreted, and the tissues do not have enough water.

Dryness around the mouth is a sign of glandular cheilitis

If the disease is not controlled, the chronic inflammatory focus eventually leads to tissue malignancy.

To treat the disease, it is necessary to reduce saliva production. For this, both surgical methods and laser are used.

• pain in the epigastrium after eating, which goes away immediately after excretion of feces,
• diarrhea, often after eating before lunch,
• bloating,
• constipation,
• belching, feeling of a “lump” in the stomach.

The following health problems may also be observed: poor sleep, frequent urination, lethargy, migraine-like pain.

Usually the condition worsens after anxiety or physical stress.

Side effect of taking antibiotics

• qualities of the drug,
• dosages,
• body reactions to the drug,
• duration of therapy,
• dosage form.

In order to reduce the likelihood of dry mouth and other side effects, you should follow some simple rules:

• take the drug at certain hours, do not miss a dose or take it ahead of time, this will help avoid jumps in the concentration of the drug in the tissues,
• drink only clean water or weak tea,
• Be sure to take probiotics throughout the course of antibiotic treatment. Many side effects of antibiotics are associated with disruption of the intestinal microflora, including dry mouth, which can be accompanied by diarrhea and dehydration. Eating probiotics will help avoid dysbiosis,
• follow a diet. During antibiotic treatment, you should follow a gentle diet: eat light food, do not drink alcohol, do not eat fried or fatty foods. Do not take the drug with food, strictly follow the instructions.

For diabetes

• constant thirst,
• copious urination,
• sudden change in weight in any direction,
• skin itching,
• migraine-like pain,
• “jams” in the corners of the mouth,
• furunculosis,
• lethargy.

Unlike a healthy person who feels thirsty in the heat, after drinking alcohol or pickles, a diabetic patient wants to drink constantly, regardless of the air temperature around him, diet, etc.

For pancreatitis

Appetite decreases, nausea and vomiting, belching, and flatulence are often observed.

Dry mouth, weight loss and diarrhea are characteristic of exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis.

To prevent exacerbations, it is important to carefully select your diet.

During menopause

The function of the autonomic nervous system changes, which is why dizziness, dry mouth, defecation disorders, frequent urination, and chest discomfort appear.

For HIV

Treatment with home remedies

2. Add some red chili pepper to your food. It contains the substance capsaicin, which activates the salivary glands.

3. You can suck on small ice cubes.

4. Make food more liquid and moist with sauces. Food should be taken at room temperature, soft.

5. Avoid crackers, bread, nuts, and dried fruits.

6. Lubricate your lips with a moisturizing balm.

How to increase saliva production?

• Drink more fluids
• Chew gum or suck candy, but without sugar,
• To cleanse the oral cavity, use fluoride-containing toothpastes and rinses,
• Eat less salty
• Quit smoking and alcohol,
• Control nasal breathing: do not breathe through your mouth,
• To ensure that the indoor air is sufficiently humid, you can use special humidifiers,
• There are pharmaceutical preparations that are saliva substitutes.

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Bitterness in the mouth during or after taking antibiotics: what to do and how to get rid of it?

Bitterness in the mouth after antibiotics is a common side effect when taking them, as indicated in the annotations for the drugs. An unpleasant bitter aftertaste may appear after taking the medication and exist continuously throughout the entire period of treatment. Antibiotics act directly and enter the body through saliva. It is not surprising that an unpleasant sensation appears within a few minutes after swallowing the drug. The presence of a bitter taste in the mouth does not mean that taking the antibiotic should be stopped immediately.

Can medications cause bitterness in the mouth?

When drugs are consumed, their metabolites are released along with saliva, which cause an unpleasant aftertaste. Most often, bitterness appears from antibacterial (Clarithromycin, Klacid, etc.), antiallergic and psychotropic drugs, as well as from statins. Some medications have a negative effect on the liver and gallbladder and can significantly affect their functioning.

Antibiotics affect the liver, and their use causes a response. Sometimes taking medications leads to damage to the gastrointestinal tract, so severe bitterness in the mouth can be accompanied by pain, diarrhea, and changes in the color of stool and urine. The body becomes weak and indifferent to everything.

What antibiotics can provoke an unpleasant symptom?

Similar symptoms are typical when using:

1. Klacida. These tablets cause bitterness quite often. You cannot ignore an unpleasant symptom; it is better to consult your doctor. He will decide whether to continue treatment with the drug and take auxiliary medications. Otherwise, the liver and gallbladder will suffer.
2. Clarithromycin. The drug affects taste buds and causes other side effects, including bitterness. It is up to the attending physician to decide whether to exclude the drug or not. You should not ignore the bitterness that appears in your mouth after Clarithromycin - there is a danger of developing severe diseases of the liver and gall bladder due to the additional load.
3. Metronidazole. This drug has a large number of side effects, including bitterness. These include nausea, dry mouth, loss of appetite, inflammation of the genitourinary system, convulsions, etc. If you notice such reactions, you should stop taking the medication and consult a doctor to give further instructions and recommendations.

Associated symptoms of bitterness in the mouth

To determine exactly why such an unpleasant sensation appears in the mouth, it is important to pay attention to the frequency of its occurrence, duration and severity. A bitter taste in the mouth is often accompanied by the following symptoms:

• heaviness in the stomach, bloating and nausea;
• heartburn or belching;
• bad breath and plaque in the mouth and tongue;
• pain in the right hypochondrium;
• heaviness in the right side due to physical activity;
• toxicosis (nausea) in pregnant women both in the early and late stages;
• discomfort in the mouth after eating certain foods;
• bitter taste after every meal, regardless of the nature of the diet.

Occurs in the morning

Antibiotics and other medications taken at night cause morning bitterness. You need to remember the sequence of use of medications and do not forget that antibiotics should not be taken on an empty stomach.

If immediately after waking up there is a bitter taste in the mouth, then this means that bile was thrown into the esophagus during sleep. The reasons may be the following: fasting before bedtime or, conversely, overeating. Pregnant women may experience discomfort in the last trimester (the fetus puts pressure on internal organs). Smoking and drinking alcohol before bed are common causes of bitterness.

Diseases in the oral cavity can cause discomfort. Poor oral hygiene, poor-quality prosthetics or poorly installed fillings can also cause a lot of trouble.

Feels like it all the time

If bitterness in the mouth is constantly felt, and it cannot be removed either with folk remedies or medications, even temporarily, then this is a reason to sound the alarm and urgently consult a doctor. Especially if the patient leads a healthy lifestyle, does not abuse alcohol, does not smoke, eats properly and does not have chronic diseases of the liver and biliary tract.

A constant feeling of bitterness may be a sign of cancer. It is also possible that there are serious liver diseases that are difficult to treat.

Appears after eating

A bitter taste after eating can be caused by the food itself, or by pathologies that occur in the body. Whatever the reason, the process of bile excretion is accelerated, it enters the stomach and esophagus, resulting in an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

After eating, bitterness appears for the following reasons:

• taking antibiotics and other drugs, the side effect of which is a bitter taste;
• bad habits (alcohol or smoking, especially on an empty stomach);
• overeating, eating heavy (meat, mushrooms) or “wrong” (spicy, fried) foods, coffee, sweets;
• pregnancy;
• pathology of the liver or gall bladder;
• stress (directly affects bile production).

What to do to get rid of bitterness?

It is possible to get rid of the symptom in several stages:

• cleansing the gastrointestinal tract from unhealthy microflora using antibacterial drugs or herbal ingredients;
• the use of an adsorbent (activated carbon) to absorb “extra” microorganisms and substances in the body;
• restoration of the intestinal mucosa;
• restoration of normal microflora.

Folk remedies

Bitterness in the mouth during and after the use of antibiotics can be removed with the help of decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs and other plants. Other homemade remedies will also come to the rescue.

Infusions and decoctions:

1. Calendula infusion. Pour 10 g of flowers of this medicinal plant into 1 glass of boiling water, leave, strain and take orally before meals, taking a few sips.
2. Herbs for rinsing. Pour 2 tablespoons of a mixture of thyme, lemon balm, peppermint, oregano and hyssop into 2 cups of boiling water. After waiting about 2-3 hours, strain the resulting infusion and rinse your mouth with it when the first symptoms of bitterness appear.
3. Berry decoctions. Choose any berry, for example, viburnum, lingonberry, hawthorn, rose hip. Pour 1 tablespoon of fruit into a glass of boiling water, bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for about 10 minutes. It is this decoction that can be used to replace your usual cup of coffee or tea in the morning.
4. Decoction of burnet root. Mix 2 tablespoons of the crushed root of the indicated plant with 1 liter of water. Bring to a boil and cook for about an hour. When the resulting decoction has cooled, drink it in small sips throughout the day.

Other folk remedies based on:

1. aloe juice with pureed viburnum fruits and honey;
2. flax seed;
3. horseradish with milk;
4. flaxseed oil and vegetable juice;
5. olive oil, lemon and honey.

Diet

Drinking regime

As mentioned above, it is worth bringing as much water into your diet as possible. It must be pure, non-carbonated and not contain any additional additives. The presence of sugar is also contraindicated. However, you still shouldn’t torture yourself and try to forcefully squeeze in the entire daily volume of liquid. There is nothing wrong with replacing part of the water you drink with decoctions of herbs and other plants (mint, rose hips, etc.).

Preventing side effects while taking medications

In order to prevent bitterness in the mouth when taking antibiotics, you should adhere to the following rules:

1. comply with the requirements of the annotation and schedule;
2. take the drug with exclusively clean drinking water without additional additives;
3. It is recommended to use special probiotics to restore microflora “killed” by antibiotics;
4. give up junk food;
5. eliminate alcohol consumption;
6. take antibiotics an hour before meals or an hour after them, but in no case during meals.

I was diagnosed with a stomach ulcer and Helicobacter. I took Clarithromycin. A very aggressive drug, the bitterness was always there after taking it and practically did not disappear. I did not interrupt the course because it was more important to get rid of the original problem, not the side effect. After finishing the course everything went away.

The bitterness is strong, especially at night, even when you wake up. What to drink with, to drown out the bitterness.

Dry mouth (medically termed xerostomia) is a condition in which enough saliva is not produced, resulting in a feeling of chronic dry mouth. Xerostomia is very common in older people and is also a side effect of taking various medications. Severe dry mouth can also be caused by an underlying medical condition. This article provides useful information about the 20 best remedies that can relieve the symptoms of dry mouth.

All of the methods listed below to combat xerostomia are aimed only at eliminating the unpleasant phenomenon. None of them can cope with the cause of dry mouth. At the same time as combating symptoms, it is strongly recommended to undergo an examination, the purpose of which is to determine the main cause of xerostomia. Often this is a very dangerous disease: for example, diabetes or autoimmune pathology.

Minimum list of examinations:

• Ultrasound of the salivary glands;
• sialography;
• general and biochemical blood tests.

The results of these tests are usually sufficient to determine the direction of further diagnostic search.

In addition to home remedies for dry mouth, you should not neglect ways to traditional medicine. Some physiotherapeutic procedures can help get rid of xerostomia for a fairly long period. The most effective methods are:

• electrophoresis with potassium iodide on the area of ​​the salivary glands;
• galvanotherapy;
• vibration massage of the salivary glands.

The combination of home remedies for eliminating xerostomia and physiotherapeutic procedures can achieve even greater success in the fight against this phenomenon.

20 Simple Home Remedies to Eliminate Dry Mouth

As we know, dry mouth can be a very worrying condition in the long term. However, the following few simple home remedies can relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence of dry mouth attacks.

1. Ginger

You will need

• 3-4 cm ginger
• 1 cup water

What to do?

• Take a small piece of fresh ginger and chop it into small pieces.
• Place the ginger in a ladle, add a cup of water and bring to a boil.
• Strain the ginger tea and add honey to taste. Drink immediately.

Alternatively, you can simply chew a piece of ginger throughout the day.

How often?

Drink ginger tea 2-3 times a day for best results.

Why does it work

Ginger has many healing properties. This is due to the presence of a bioactive compound called gingerol. In addition, ginger stimulates salivation. This helps retain the necessary moisture in the mouth for a long period.

2. Green tea

You will need

• 1 teaspoon green tea leaves
• 1 cup water
• honey (optional)

What to do?

• Take a spoonful of green tea and brew it in a glass of water.
• Strain the tea and add honey to taste. Drink immediately.

How often to use

Drink green tea 2 to 3 times daily for optimal wellness

Why does it work

Green tea, like ginger tea, is also one of the best herbs to treat dry mouth. It has antibacterial properties and can prevent xerostomia. In addition, green tea is also a known saliva stimulant.

3. Aloe Vera Juice

You will need

• ¼ cup aloe vera juice/aloe vera gel
• Cotton pads

What to do?

• Consume aloe vera juice or rinse your mouth with it.
• Alternatively, take some aloe vera gel with a cotton ball and apply it evenly inside your mouth.
• Leave on for a few minutes and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

How often

You can consume aloe vera juice once a day. If you apply the gel, you need to do this 2 to 3 times a day.

Why does it work

Aloe vera has endless benefits when it comes to beauty and health. In the case of xerostomia, it is important that aloe can stimulate the functioning of the salivary glands and increase the production of saliva in the mouth.

4. Pineapple

You will need

• Fresh or canned pineapples

What to do

• Cut up a fresh pineapple and simply chew a piece slowly to keep your mouth hydrated.
• Alternatively, you can use unsweetened canned pineapple for the same.

How often?

Several times a day. There is no need to chew pineapple lightly, because the acidic environment of the fruit can corrode tooth enamel.

Why does it work

Pineapple is rich in bromelain, which helps cleanse the mouth. The fruit also helps in thinning saliva and enhances saliva production.

5. Lemon juice

You will need

• ½ lemon
• 1 glass of water
• honey (optional)

What to do?

• Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a glass of water.
• Add honey to taste. Store this juice and consume throughout the day.

How often

Excessive consumption of lemon or other acidic fruits can lead to the destruction of tooth enamel. Therefore, limit use to 5-6 times a day.

Why does this help?

Lemons are very useful for improving health and beauty. The high amount of citric acid in lemons helps keep your mouth clean and fresh, and also stimulates saliva production, which relieves dry mouth.

6. Orange juice

You will need

• oranges
• 1 glass of water

What to do

• Peel the orange and mix its juice with a glass of water.
• Store in a bottle and consume throughout the day to maintain oral moisture.
• Avoid drinking concentrated juice as it may make your condition worse.

How often

Drink diluted orange juice once a day.

Why does it work

Like their counterparts (lemons), oranges are also rich in citric acid and have many beneficial properties. Orange juice keeps your mouth fresh and gets rid of bad breath. Citric acid also helps in stimulating the salivary glands and thus orange juice relieves dry mouth.

7. Fennel (dill)

You will need

• 1 teaspoon dill seeds

What to do

Simply chew fennel seeds after every meal.

How often

Do this daily.

Why does it work

Fennel seeds are rich in plant metabolites called flavonoids. Flavonoids stimulate saliva production and help keep the mouth clean. The aromatic character of dill seeds helps normalize bad breath, keeping your mouth fresh for a long period of time.

7. Anise

You will need

• 1 teaspoon anise seeds
• 1 teaspoon dill seeds (optional)

What to do?

• Take a few anise seeds and simply chew them after every meal.
• Alternatively, you can also mix anise seeds with dill seeds for extra flavor.

How often

Do this after every meal.

Why does it work

Anise (scientific name Pimpinella anisum) is an herb with many medicinal properties. Anise is prescribed as an appetite stimulant. Anise seeds are quite pleasant in taste, their use helps fight bad breath and dry mouth.

8. Rosemary

You will need

• 10-12 rosemary leaves
• 1 glass of water

What to do

• Take about 10-12 rosemary leaves, add a glass of water and let it steep overnight.
• Use this water to rinse your mouth in the morning.

How often

Do this every morning.

Why does it work

Rosemary has an equally wonderful aroma as fennel seeds. Rosemary is known to have antiseptic and soothing properties, which may be useful in treating dry mouth.

9. Celery

You will need

• 2-3 stalks of celery

What to do?

Simply cut celery into pieces and chew them throughout the day.

How often

Chew celery to relieve dry mouth daily until optimal results are achieved.

Why does it work

Celery is a vegetable that has a variety of health benefits. Celery is rich in vitamin C and also contains many beneficial enzymes and flavonoids. Celery's ability to retain water is especially useful for maintaining oral moisture as well as increasing saliva production.

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10. Parsley

You will need

• A handful of parsley leaves

What to do?

Take a few parsley leaves and simply chew them.

How often

Every day after every meal.

Why Parsley Leaves Relieves Dry Mouth

Parsley is an herb that is known to be rich in vitamins A and C, calcium and iron. Parsley can be called a natural mouth freshener. It is also a cheap, natural way to treat dry mouth and dry mouth symptoms (18). It also has antibacterial properties, which can be used to keep your mouth clean (19).

11. Olive oil

Olive oil has been used for centuries to maintain oral hygiene.

You will need

• 1 teaspoon olive oil (extra virgin)

What to do

• Just hold the olive oil in your mouth for 10 -15 minutes

How often

Once a day every morning.

Why does it work

Olive oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties due mainly to the presence of a compound called Oleocanthal. The cleansing effect of olive oil helps maintain moisture in the mouth and eliminates the symptoms of dry mouth.

12. Coconut oil

You will need

• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (extra virgin)

What to do?

• Simply hold the coconut oil in your mouth for about 10-15 minutes.
• Spit it out and brush your teeth as usual.

How often

Once a day every morning.

Why does it work

Like olive oil, coconut oil also helps in maintaining adequate moisture levels in the mouth. It acts as a natural humectant and thus helps eliminate dry mouth and all the unpleasant symptoms of xerostomia.

13. Fish oil

You will need

• Omega-3 rich foods or fish oil supplements

What to do?

• Include omega-3 foods in your diet - salmon and tuna.
• Or consume about 500 mg of fish oil per day.

How often?

Twice daily for best results.

Why does it work

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation. Research has proven that consuming fish oil increases saliva production. Thus, fish oil can also be used to relieve severe dry mouth.

14. Essential oils

Essential oils have natural healing properties and healing effects. Some of the essential oils are also known to help relieve dry mouth. They are listed below:

1. Peppermint essential oil

You will need

• 2 drops peppermint essential oil

What to do?

• Place two drops of peppermint essential oil on your tongue.
• Distribute the oil throughout your mouth using your tongue.

How often?
Do this for a week, before each meal.

Why does it work

Peppermint oil (scientifically Mentha Piperita) stimulates the salivary glands to produce more saliva. It also has a protective effect. The presence of a compound called Cineole in peppermint oil helps in accelerating the secretion of mucus in the mouth.

2. Peppermint (Spearmint) essential oil

You will need

• 1 to 2 drops spearmint essential oil

What to do?

• Apply one or two drops of spearmint oil to your toothbrush. Or drop 1-2 drops into a glass of clean water
• Gently brush or rinse your mouth

How often?

After every meal.

Why does it work

Peppermint oil is one of the main ingredients used in many toothpastes and mouthwashes. Spearmint can relieve bad breath and dry mouth due to its antibacterial and cleansing properties.

3. Clove essential oil

You will need

• 2 drops clove essential oil

What to do?

• Apply two drops of clove oil to your tongue.
• Using your tongue, distribute clove essential oil throughout your mouth.

How often

Repeat daily after every meal.

Why does it work

Clove oil contains beneficial oils such as eugenol. Eugenol is an aromatic compound known as an anesthetic and antiseptic. These properties of clove oil help in relieving the symptoms of dry mouth.

4. Eucalyptus essential oil

You will need

• 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil

What to do?

• Apply two drops of eucalyptus essential oil to your finger or toothbrush.
• Apply gently throughout the mouth.

How often

Every day, after every meal.

Why does it work

Like peppermint oil, eucalyptus essential oil also contains menthol. The aromatic nature of eucalyptus essential oil, along with its antibacterial properties, helps in the treatment of bad breath and dry mouth.

15. Apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 glass of water

What to do?

• Add apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and mix well. Rinse your mouth throughout the day.

How often

Use apple cider vinegar for dry mouth daily.

Why does it work

Acetic acid is one of the main components of apple cider vinegar, which thanks to it has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Apple cider vinegar is often used in folk medicine to treat diabetes and is an effective remedy for dry mouth.

16. Vaseline

You will need

• petrolatum

What to do?
Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to your gums and lips.

How often

Every day, at night

Why does it work

Vaseline is used to speed wound healing and retain moisture. Using petroleum jelly can thus help treat dry mouth, especially at night.

17. Yogurt

You will need

• Yogurt

What to do?

• Lubricate the mucous membrane of the mouth with a thin layer of yogurt.

How often?

Use yogurt for dry mouth 2-3 times a day.

Why does it work

18. Iron

You will need

• Iron supplements

What to do?

• Individuals over 50 years of age should consume about 8 mg of iron per day.
• People aged 18 to 50 years can consume capsules containing 18 mg of iron per day.

How often?

Take iron supplements daily.

Why does it work

The human body requires adequate amounts of iron to function properly and maintain overall good health. Dry mouth is one of the most common and recurring symptoms of iron deficiency and the condition can be improved by consuming supplemental iron.

19. Cayenne pepper

You will need

• Pinch of ground cayenne pepper

What to do?

• Take ground cayenne pepper on a wet finger and rub all over your tongue.

How often

Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day.

Why does it work

Cayenne pepper, scientifically called C apsicum annuum "Cayenne", is a fairly popular natural remedy due to its detoxifying capabilities and benefits for the digestive system. Cayenne pepper also has anti-inflammatory properties, which are helpful in treating the symptoms of dry mouth.

20. Slippery Elm

You will need

• ½ teaspoon slippery elm bark powder

What to do?

• Mix slippery elm bark powder with a few drops of water and gently rub the paste into your mouth. Then rinse your mouth.
• Additionally, slippery elm bark tea can also be consumed.

How often

You can apply the paste every morning or consume this tea 2 to 3 times a day.

Why does it work

Slippery elm is a small tree with medicinal properties. The bark of this tree is often used to relieve various ailments. It contains mucus that coats the stomach walls and soothes the stomach, throat, mouth and intestines. Thus, slippery elm can help with digestion and inflammation. Additionally, slippery elm's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help relieve severe dry mouth.

Preventing dry mouth

You can easily try these home remedies to get rid of dry mouth because most of the required ingredients are available in your kitchen. Once you see positive changes in your condition, try to follow the preventative tips below to avoid recurrences of dry mouth.

Prevention Tips:

• Limit your caffeine intake.
• Use sugar-free gum or sugar-free candies.
• Avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol.
• Stop smoking.
• Keep your body adequately hydrated
• Try using moisturizing sprays and gels that are available over the counter. They can act as saliva substitutes.
• Use mouthwash products specifically formulated to combat dry mouth.
• Avoid using medications that may be a potential cause of dry mouth.
• Avoid inhalation through mouth. Try to breathe through your nose, especially at night.
• Use a room humidifier at night. The device humidifies the air around you.
• Avoid sugary and carbonated drinks.
• Use fluoride toothpastes.
• Consume foods rich in protein. In addition, include soups and broths in your diet.
• Avoid eating dry foods such as bread, cakes and crackers.

Dry mouth can be a serious concern if it is a chronic condition. If you are among those who have suffered from this condition, try not to delay and start dealing with the problem. It is always better to treat dry mouth early to prevent the problem from recurring. Since dry mouth itself is also a symptom of certain medical conditions and medications, please contact your healthcare provider for evaluation and advice.

Answers to readers' questions

- How can I get rid of dry mouth at night?

To prevent dry mouth at night, use a room humidifier to add moisture to the air. You can also apply a thin layer of Vaseline to your lips to seal in moisture and prevent your mouth from drying out.

- What causes dry mouth during work?

One of the main reasons to experience dry mouth while working is dehydration. Hot weather increases the likelihood of dehydration.

- How to prevent dry mouth in the morning?

After you wake up, brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. Use any of the natural remedies mentioned above as a mouthwash. Additionally, you can also use "drugstore" mouth sprays or gels that are designed to keep the mouth moist.

- Which doctor treats dry mouth?

You can visit your dentist if you are experiencing dry mouth problems. However, if dry mouth is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, it is recommended that you visit your GP first.

- Can dry mouth cause any serious side effects if left untreated?

Severe dry mouth can lead to serious dental defects and gum disease if left untreated. The condition can also lead to persistent bad breath as a result of bacteria growing in the mouth.

Every person at least once in his life has felt dry mouth, which can appear as a result of excitement, nervousness or stress. Dry mouth occurs as a result of 50% or less production of saliva, which moisturizes the mouth.

Saliva is important for body and oral health. Thanks to it, immune protection of the oral cavity is provided, therefore, teeth remain healthy. In addition, saliva promotes digestion, protects against infections, enables swallowing, chewing, and allows speaking.

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is often a side effect of stress or anxiety. Temporary dryness is normal and does not require special attention. However, if your dry mouth persists and causes irritation, you should consult a doctor. The causes of dryness are different: taking medications, certain diseases, age.

As a result of taking some medications (more than 500 types), unpleasant dryness may occur. For example, these could be medications for allergies, inflammation and swelling, painkillers, medications for high blood pressure, and depression.

Some diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, HIV can lead to dryness. In addition, radiation therapy can damage the salivary glands if the patient's head and neck are treated during cancer treatment.

Chemotherapy can also cause a temporary side effect called xerostomia.

In addition, changes in hormone levels affect the salivary glands, which leads to dryness during menopause and also after it.

Symptoms of dry mouth:

• dry mouth
• difficulty swallowing
• burning sensation on tongue
• dry throat
• chapped lips
• decreased sense of taste or metallic taste
• bad breath
• difficulty chewing food

A dry mouth causes discomfort; if you do not drink water, your tongue may stick to the roof of your mouth and a burning sensation will appear. In addition, the mouth and teeth remain unprotected, because bacteria are not washed away by saliva. In the future, bad breath (), tooth decay, and gum problems may appear. To ensure protection against bacteria, it is necessary to maintain daily oral hygiene ().

Common Causes of Dry Mouth

Dehydration: low fluid intake or large fluid loss due to excessive physical exertion, diarrhea, vomiting.

Dry air: Heated indoor air, especially in winter, irritates the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Consequences: dry nose, dry mouth, dry eyes.

Age: With age, bodily functions slow down; in addition, old people take medications that contribute to the appearance of dryness.

Mouth breathing: If you constantly breathe through your mouth, dryness will appear not only in your mouth, but also in your lips. The cause may be sinusitis or a stuffy nose, which should be cleared ().

Snore: When snoring, a person usually breathes through the mouth, which can lead to dryness.

Psyche: Nervous disorders, stress, depression often cause dryness, because... the sympathetic nervous system is involved.

Antihypertensive drugs: many drugs affect the autonomic system, which is responsible for controlling saliva production. These include beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, some diuretics, and calcium channel blockers.

Smoking: nicotine constricts blood vessels, suppresses blood circulation (), and smoke particles stick to the mucous membranes and dry them out.

Tumors of the salivary glands: Various tumors of the salivary glands may initially manifest themselves as dry mouth and other symptoms.

Autoimmune diseases: With Sjögren's syndrome, an inflammatory reaction can occur that destroys the salivary glands. Diabetes mellitus at the beginning may have nonspecific symptoms: dry mouth, thirst, etc.

Radiation therapy: cancer treatment using radiation applied to the head. During this, the salivary glands can be damaged.

Treatment

Sometimes it is enough to eliminate the cause of dryness to cure it once and for all. If dry mouth occurs as a result of taking medications, then you should inform your doctor about it. The doctor must change the dosage or prescribe a drug that does not disrupt the functioning of the salivary glands.

To treat dryness, you can also consult with your dentist, who will recommend special products to properly protect your teeth and eliminate dryness.

If you have dryness, experts advise drinking sugar-free water more often (every 30 minutes), chewing gum, dill seeds, aromatic spices, and sucking candy, which stimulates salivation. Drink tea with lemon more often; it is also useful to rinse your mouth with an infusion of mallow or flax flowers. In severe cases, you can use special sprays - saliva substitutes. It is recommended to use a humidifier at home.

Avoid drinking various drinks containing caffeine, such as black tea, coffee.

Prevention

To prevent dryness, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, eat more plant foods, get rid of bad habits, and maintain oral hygiene. Food should be chewed thoroughly.

Drink more fluids (2 liters per day). These can be fruit teas, water, juices, decoctions, non-alcoholic cocktails, lemon water. It is important to keep your mouth moisturized and stimulate saliva production.