Dry mouth may be signal of these serious diseases
The doctor explained why dry mouth occurs (Illustrative photo: Freepik)
Dry mouth may seem like a minor issue, but sometimes it can be a warning sign of something more serious. This symptom may be associated with life-threatening conditions such as diabetes and even stroke, reports The Mirror.
What is important to know
Dr. Azad Eyrumlu explained that dry mouth can be a sign that something is wrong in the body. It can manifest as sensations of stickiness in the mouth, dryness or pain in the throat, difficulties in chewing or swallowing, and even bad breath.
Certain conditions, such as stroke, diabetes, or Alzheimer's disease, can present in this way.
Dry mouth can be a red flag for detecting:
- diabetes;
- stroke;
- HIV;
- Alzheimer's disease.
A condition where our glands do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist is known as xerostomia. Saliva plays a crucial role in oral health, as it helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria and wash away food particles.
Saliva is also important for preventing cavities and contains essential enzymes that aid in the digestion process, ensuring the body receives the necessary vitamins and nutrients.
Therefore, it is recommended to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, as well as to regularly use dental floss and mouthwash.
What can be done to eliminate dry mouth
To improve saliva flow, the following steps may help:
- Consume sugar-free candies or chew sugar-free gum, especially with xylitol.
- Try to avoid acidic foods like lemons.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. Carry water with you to drink throughout the day.
- Avoid rinsing your mouth with liquids containing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
- Breathe through your nose, not your mouth, as much as possible.
- If the air in the room is dry, use a humidifier, especially at night.
- Try to eat more liquid-based foods, such as soups.
- Avoid salty and dry foods.
- Limit alcohol and coffee consumption.
- Do not smoke, as tobacco also causes dry mouth.
Earlier, we reported on 4 products that can help reduce menstrual pain.
We also discussed why blood pressure rises sharply after the age of 30.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
