Dry mouth has many different causes, and knowing about how the
salivary glands work, can help in understanding this syndrome. This oral
condition is also called xerostomia, and happens when the salivary glands do
not produce enough saliva to moisten and protect the mouth.
Salivary Glands
The
salivary glands produce saliva or spit. It helps in the proper digestion of
food by adding moisture to it and acts like a lubricant as the food slides down
the throat and into the stomach. It contains enzymes that break down certain
starch and fat in the food.
The spit
is produced by 3 pairs of salivary glands:
·
Submandibular
glands - found beneath the floor of the mouth, on each of the sides, it
moistens the floor of the mouth.
·
Parotid glands
- it is found on each side of the face, located near the front of the ears and
near the lower jaw line.
·
Sublingual
glands - found underneath the tongue.
All these three glands
work simultaneously to maintain moisture in the mouth, at all times. They
produce even more saliva, as you are chewing your food.
The Causes of Xerostomia
This syndrome is not an
ailment in itself, it has lots of causes, and in most cases it is triggered by
an underlying medical condition and other factors, that interferes with the
production of spit by the salivary glands.
These are the causes
that may disrupt the functions of the salivary glands:
·
Various Medications -Medicines that have
xerostomia as a side-effect, drugs like antihistamines, tricyclic
antidepressants, antimuscarinic medicines, some antidepressants, some
anti-epileptic drugs, beta-blockers and diuretics. These medicines affect the
salivary glands, resulting in a smaller amount of spit.
·
Radiotherapy - on the neck and the head
area, it damages the salivary glands.
·
Breathing through the
mouth -
because of clogged sinuses or nasal decongestion
·
Anxiety - if a person has
anxiety, the salivary glands' functions are also affected.
·
Dehydration - If there is not enough
fluid in the body, the salivary glands won't produce enough saliva as well.
·
Sjogren's syndrome - is an autoimmune
deficiency which affects the salivary glands, tear glands, sweat glands and the
joints.
Treating xerostomia is
sometimes as simple as rehydrating, but it can also be just as complicated, especially
if it is caused by a medical condition. Consultation with your dentist or your
doctor is best, especially if dealing with severe xerostomia.
For
more
information: http://breezecare.com
