At one point in time, you have probably experienced the discomfort and inconvenience caused by an extremely dry mouth. Yet for people who suffer from chronic dry mouth-- otherwise known as xerostomia--this condition is more than just a temporary annoyance. If you would like to learn more about xerostomia, read on. This article will answer two common questions about chronic dry mouth.

What's the difference between having a dry mouth--and having xerostomia?

As you might be able to imagine, since everybody deals with a dry mouth now and them, diagnosing xerostomia isn't always a straightforward task. Perhaps the most important signal that you are dealing with xerostomia is that the dryness is occurring on a regular basis. This is an indication that the glands in your mouth which should be producing saliva are not functioning properly.

Additionally, those who think they may be suffering from xerostomia should be on the lookout for other symptoms such as:

• sores on the interior of your mouth
• excessively chapped or cracked lips
• a red, raw tongue
• habitually bad breath
• an increase in thirst

In cases where xerostomia becomes excessively advanced, the mouth may be so dry that it can even become hard to speak clearly. Having this little saliva in the mouth may also lead to pain or difficulty when it comes to chewing and swallowing food. Not only that, but it increases the likelihood of developing gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

Is xerostomia contagious?

No, xerostomia is not a disease that you can catch from, or give to, others. Instead, it is most common in those with exacerbating lifestyle habits, those with complicating diseases, and those on certain prescription medications.

The lifestyle habit most commonly associated with xerostomia is tobacco use; smokers especially run a much high risk of suffering from chronic dry mouth. Two other commonly-abused drugs--caffeine and alcohol--also promote dry mouth, thanks to their dehydrating effects. Milder cases of xerostomia can often be successfully treated my modifying such consumption behaviors.

Xerostomia is known to be more common in those with the following diseases:

• diabetes
• HIV/AIDS
• arthritis
• Alzheimer's
• high-blood pressure

In these cases, it is common for a doctor to prescribe special hydrating mouthwashes--those that contain substances such as hyetellose, hyprolose, or carmellose--to help make up for the lack of natural saliva.

Finally, it is common to experience a troublesomely dry mouth as the result of prescription medications. This is especially true of medications such as:

• antihistamines
• muscle relaxants
• blood pressure medications
• antidepressants
• diuretics

If you have begun to suffer from dry mouth after going on one of these types of medicine, be sure to inform your doctor and dentist. They may be able to switch you to a different, less problematic medication.

For more information, contact Buffalo Dental Group or a similar organization.