Dry mouth is a common complaint, the range of experience varies from a temporary, minor annoyance to a serious, likely irreversible complication of a disease process. The symptom of dry mouth is often referred to as xerostomia. It is usually caused by a gradual decrease in the amount and quality of saliva produced by the salivary glands but paradoxically may be associated with normal salivary gland function.
What is dry mouth?
The sensation of dry mouth in any group of individuals is represented by a spectrum of severity. Typically, a complaint of dry mouth will be associated with one or more of the following: a feeling of cotton in the mouth; tongue and cheeks stick to the top of the mouth or the teeth; sores inside the mouth or at the corners of lip; difficulty with swallowing, eating dry food, or talking; abnormal taste; burning of the tongue or inside of the mouth; and dental cavities occurring at the gum line of teeth despite of diligent oral hygiene.
It is important to realize that dry mouth is a symptom that usually indicates that the salivary gland are malfunctioning by producing less saliva that is also qualitatively deficient.
Management of dry mouth
Take frequent sips of water or another sugarless beverage.
Chew sugarless gum to help stimulate salivary flow.
Suck on ice cubes or frozen fruit juices bars (unless their coldness causes discomfort)
Avoid citrus juices and spicy or salty foods if they cause mouth irritation.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking, which may dry the mouth.
Consume foods that have a high fluid content such as soups, stews, sauces and gravels, yogurt, and pureed fruits.
Try over the counter saliva substitutes, especially just before meals and at bedtime.
Try rinsing the mouth with small amounts of vegetable oil or softened margarine.
Use a humidifier during the night.
Pay strict attention to oral hygiene, brushing and flossing at least twice daily, try to brush immediately after each meal.
Avoid alcohol and detergent containing mouthwashes that may dry and irritate the mouth.
If dry mouth is caused by a medication ask your physician about possible alternatives.
Homeopathic treatment for dry mouth
Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat dry mouth but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several remedies are available to treat dry mouth that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensations and modalities of the complaints. For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. There are following remedies which are helpful in the treatment of dry mouth:
Arsenic Album, Baryta Carb, Baryta Carb, Baryta Mur, Belladonna, Borex, Bryonia, Cannabis Indica, Capsicum, Carbo Veg, Chamomilla, China, Hyoscyamus, Ignatia, Kali Bi, Lachesis, Lycopodium, Mercurius, Muriatic Acid, Naja, Natrum Mur, Natrum Sulph, Nux M, Nux Vomica, Phosphoric Acid, Phosphorous, Rhus Tox, Sepia, Silicea, Sulphur, Arnica Montana, Calcaria Carb, Camphor, Cannabis Sativa, Cheledonium, Cantharis, Causticum, Crotolus H, Gelsemium, Graphites, Nitric Acid, Petroleum and many other medicines.