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Sudden dry mouth. Constant dry mouth: causes of the phenomenon and how to get rid of the problem? You are taking certain medications

Whatever the causes of dry mouth, whatever diseases it indicates this symptom, he always deserves attention. After all, drying out oral cavity associated with a lack of saliva production. And this deficiency can lead to digestive problems, dental ailments, fungal diseases, etc.

A lack of saliva also significantly impairs the quality of life, as it makes it difficult to chew and swallow food and changes the taste of foods. May lead to unpleasant smell from the mouth, which often negatively affects interpersonal relationships.

Lack of saliva manifests itself in different ways. Moreover, sometimes a person may experience just dryness, supplemented by other symptoms. And sometimes other sensations will prevail. And he doesn’t even immediately realize that he is suffering from insufficient salivation.

Symptoms and signs of dry mouth include:

  • feeling of tongue stickiness;
  • thick, as if fibrous, saliva;
  • halitosis;
  • difficulty chewing food;
  • problems swallowing bolus (dysphagia);
  • problems with speech, especially fast and loud;
  • dryness and sore throat;
  • hoarseness;
  • dryness of the tongue, which becomes rough, often grooves and ulcers appear on it;
  • burning in the mouth;
  • intolerance to salty, sour and spicy foods;
  • problems with wearing dentures;
  • chapped lips;
  • problems with applying lipstick (it sticks to your teeth all the time);
  • inflammatory gum diseases;
  • tooth decay.

Many people primarily complain of dry mouth at night or in the morning. It's natural. Since during sleep, saliva production always decreases.

Causes

Natural age-related changes

Dry mouth in the morning, at night and during the day in older people - normal phenomenon. Since with age activity salivary glands falls . This is an inevitable consequence of the aging of the body.

Taking medications

The causes of dry mouth are not always associated with some disease or old age. Often this problem is caused by taking medications. Saliva production is especially strongly affected by:

  • antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs;
  • antihypertensive drugs;
  • antihistamines;
  • countercurrent agents;
  • muscle relaxants;
  • painkillers;
  • drugs used to treat Alzheimer's disease;
  • methamphetamine.

Activities and medications used to treat cancer can also cause persistent dry mouth. Sometimes, after completing a course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, saliva production returns to normal, but sometimes the problem of dryness remains forever.

Diseases

Problems with saliva production can occur due to damage to the nerves that supply the salivary glands due to injury or surgery. And also due to a stroke, when the center of the brain that regulates salivation is affected.

  • Diabetes. This disease is characterized not only by dry mouth, but also by constant thirst.
  • Fungal infections of the oral cavity.
  • Alzheimer's disease.
  • Sjögren's syndrome.
  • HIV/AIDS.
  • Osteoporosis, especially in women during menopause.
  • Gallbladder problems. Including ordinary dyskinesia of the biliary tract. In this case, dry mouth usually complements the bitterness.
  • Like, dry mouth mucous membranes can be caused by acid reflux.

Often the problem with salivation occurs during nervous soil. She is a character for anxious, suspicious people, those who suffer from VSD. Moreover, in this case, a decrease in saliva production can be caused by both the use of anti-anxiety medications and increased mouth breathing, dehydration, acid reflux - that is, all those conditions that are characteristic of people who are in constant anxiety.

Mouth breathing is a common cause of dry mouth. And it is typical not only for anxious people, but also for those who suffer from chronic rhinitis, snores or plays intense sports. All these people are at risk of decreased salivation.

Tobacco and alcohol

The cause of constant dryness and bitterness in the mouth is often tobacco smoking. And also drinking alcohol. Moreover, alcohol does not have to be introduced into the body in the form of alcoholic beverages. Often, prolonged use of mouth rinses containing alcohol leads to a decrease in salivation and drying of the oral mucous membranes.

How to get rid of dry mouth?

For real effective treatment insufficient salivation can be performed only when the cause of the problem is precisely found and therapy for the underlying disease is prescribed. Obviously, if dry mouth in the morning is associated with high sugar in the blood, then the methods for eliminating this symptom will differ from those that will help increase salivation during anxiety.

Therefore no universal methods there is no treatment. However, there is general recommendations to moisturize the oral mucosa, which are beneficial for all people.

  1. Introducing a sufficient amount of fluid into the body. At least 2000 liters daily.
  2. Drinking water at the same time as eating. It is very advisable, especially for older people, to take small pieces into the mouth and wash down each of them with a sip of any non-alcoholic drink. It's good to use natural bone broth.
  3. Avoiding completely dehydrated dry foods that cause your mouth to feel dry, such as crackers. If such products are nevertheless included in the diet, then they must be washed down a large number liquids at the time of consumption.
  4. Prevent mouth breathing. This task is difficult. Since to solve it you need to get rid of a runny nose and snoring. Normalize your mental state.
  5. Using humidifiers. It is especially useful to use before bed to prevent dry mouth at night and in the morning.
  6. Avoid mouth rinses containing alcohol.
  7. Including foods that enhance saliva production in your diet. These products include:
  • apples;
  • cucumbers;
  • fresh carrots;
  • Cayenne pepper;
  • fennel;
  • ginger.

How serious is the problem of dry mouth?

Quite serious.

Constant dry mouth, whatever its causes, can lead to such negative consequences for health, like:

  • gum disease;
  • tooth decay;
  • fungal infections of the oral cavity;
  • deterioration of digestion.

Severe and constant dry mouth is especially dangerous for older people, in whom it can lead to the inability to chew and swallow food normally. This often leads to a deficiency nutrients, which in old age is fraught with the development of life-threatening pneumonia.

Since the problem of decreased saliva production often creeps up so quietly that you may not notice it right away, you can take a test to see if you have cause for concern.

A single case of dry mouth is not a reason to panic, but if the discomfort bothers you throughout long period time and there are other warning signs, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Insufficient functioning of the salivary glands causes xerostomia - a feeling of dryness in the mouth, including the tongue. This manifestation can occur in various pathological and physiological conditions of the body, and can also be caused by a number of provoking factors.

Frequent dry mouth is not a disease, but a sign of problems in the body. Drying of the mucous membrane can be caused by the following factors:

  1. Use of certain dosage forms. Very often dryness manifests itself as side effect upon admission antihistamines, antidepressants, vasoconstrictors, diuretics. To eliminate the cause of dry tongue and mouth in in this case It is enough just to stop taking medications, replacing them with analogues or other forms (after consultation with the specialist observing you).
  2. Age-related manifestations. Sometimes drying of the oral mucosa can occur in older people.
  3. Insufficient consumption clean water, especially in the hot season. A banal lack of fluid and violation of the drinking regime can provoke this symptom.
  4. Inadequate dental care.
  5. Smoking.
  6. Passion for hot, spicy and salty dishes.
  7. Snoring, prolonged breathing through the mouth. The cause of dry mouth at night may be due to drying out of the mucous membrane by keeping the mouth open for a long time, sleeping in an uncomfortable position, etc.
  8. Insufficient air humidity in the room, especially during the heating season or when heating devices are operating.
  9. Withdrawal syndrome. Excessive doses of strong drinks taken the day before always provoke dry mouth.

When is dry mouth caused by disease?

Dry mouth – causes of what disease?

1. Swelling of the nasal mucosa. Often with rhinitis, adenoids or allergic reaction the person begins to breathe through his mouth. This is why dryness and burning in the mouth may occur.

2. Dehydration of the body. Dryness occurs when dehydration is caused by severe intoxication and conditions in which body temperature increases significantly, for example, in acute infectious diseases. In addition to this symptom, there is a strong headache, general weakness, loss of performance, lack of appetite, sleep disturbances and dizziness.

3. Diabetes mellitus. The first symptom of the development of the disease (regardless of its type) is precisely dry mucous membranes, as well as constant thirst. At the same time, there may be increased frequency of urination, loss of body weight without visible reasons and general weakness.

4. Disruption of the salivary glands. The adult body normally produces approximately 1.5 liters of saliva. This volume is produced by three pairs of large salivary glands - parotid, submandibular and sublingual.

In addition, the oral cavity also contains microscopic salivary glands, which are located on the mucous membranes of the palate, cheeks, tongue and lips.

Their work may be blocked due to the following pathologies: Sjogren's disease, salivary stone disease, mumps, neoplasms (benign and malignant). As a rule, a feeling of dryness occurs when eating, when damaged salivary glands must produce additional portions of secretion.

5. Gastrointestinal diseases. White tongue and dry mouth are the reasons for problems in the work of all digestive system. Appearance of whitish or yellow tint plaque may indicate pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, peptic ulcer etc.

For biliary dyskinesia and problems in gallbladder at the same time there is a feeling of bitter taste in the mouth and pain in the right hypochondrium.

6. Cystic fibrosis. Hereditary disease, accompanied by disruption of the functioning of all glands internal secretion, which purely includes salivary ones. Along with dry tongue, problems in the gastrointestinal tract and bronchopulmonary system are observed.

7. Malfunctions of the genitourinary system. Dry mouth often accompanies diseases such as urethritis, cystitis, renal failure, prostatitis, nephritis, etc.

8. Vitamin deficiency. Flaw ascorbic acid, carotenoids, tocopherol, B vitamins and some trace elements negatively affect the functioning of the salivary glands.

What to do? When to see a doctor?

In cases where dry mucous membranes are not associated with painful conditions of the body, it can be eliminated by eliminating the provoking causes.

In a situation where, in addition to dry mouth, you are concerned about other manifestations of trouble in the functioning of organs and systems described above, it is advisable to read the full medical examination for timely detection of diseases and initiation of treatment.

If you are experiencing nausea, dry mouth, white coating in the tongue, then visit an experienced gastroenterologist. If you have increased thirst and weight loss, get examined by an endocrinologist. In case of infectious diseases, drink as much fluid as possible and take appropriate medications.

Eliminating the causes of dry mouth at night associated with mouth breathing or snoring comes down to normalizing and controlling night breathing. It is possible to use special anti-snoring clips.


  • If you experience discomfort, dissolve a piece of ice, a lollipop in your mouth, or chew chewing gum no sugar.
  • Carefully read the instructions for all medications you take, especially the side effects section. If dryness is caused by medication, consult your doctor to determine an adequate replacement.
  • Use air humidifiers indoors. It is also recommended to place wet terry towels on the radiator several times a day to increase the humidity in the room.
  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a quality toothpaste. Rinse your mouth after every meal.
  • Drink sufficient quantity water – an adult should drink at least 8 glasses free liquid per day.
  • Take multivitamin complexes with microelements to prevent hypovitaminosis, eat as many different foods as possible fresh vegetables, fruits, berries and leafy greens.
  • Enrich your diet with healthy vegetable oils containing omega-3 PUFAs and nut oils.
  • Be sure to eat food with coarse dietary fiber - grains, fruits, bran, fiber, as they increase the production of saliva during chewing.
  • Eat solid foods, because when eating liquid foods, a person makes minimal movements of the jaws, and this leads to a slowdown in the functioning of the salivary glands.
  • Avoid spicy and salty foods, quit smoking, don’t abuse alcohol, and dry mouth will stop bothering you.

In cases where the listed activities and recommendations do not provide positive result, and dry mucous membranes will not cool down on their own for a long time, then you should think about your health condition and contact a medical facility.

In any case, only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe therapy, including medication. Do not self-medicate under any circumstances, as this can lead to harmful consequences.

Don't ignore your body's signals, start taking care of own health as soon as possible and then active longevity and you are guaranteed to feel great!


Dry mouth (xerostomia) is dryness of the oral mucosa due to a decrease or cessation of secretion of the salivary glands. Chronic dry mouth makes it difficult for a person to speak, chew, swallow and taste, all of which generally makes life quite uncomfortable.

Typical signs of this condition are:

  • Feeling of “stickiness” and dryness in the mouth
  • Increased thirst
  • Areas of irritation on the oral mucosa; cracks on the lips and corners of the mouth
  • Feeling of dry throat
  • Burning or itching in the mouth (especially on the tongue)
  • The tongue turns red, becomes dry and rough
  • Difficulty speaking taste sensations, chewing and swallowing
  • Hoarseness, dry nasal mucosa, sore throat
  • Bad breath

The oral mucosa can react to various pathological processes and functional disorders in many body systems.

Causes of dry mouth not related to illness

1. Insufficient drinking regime(with a lack of water, in hot weather, when eating highly salted foods).
2. The use of a significant number of different drugs (antitumor drugs, atropine, psychotropic drugs, diuretics, a group of sympathomimetics, etc.) has this effect side effect like dry mouth. Even hypotensive, vasoconstrictor and antihistamines help reduce saliva production.
3. When breathing through the mouth (in elderly people at night while sleeping with open mouth due to weakness of the muscles that bring the lower jaw to the upper, with difficulty in nasal breathing due to polyps of the deviated nasal septum, etc.).
4. Frequent, unnecessary rinsing of the mouth.
5. Smoking.
6. Alcohol intoxication.
7. Menopause.

Diseases that cause dry mouth

1. Diseases of the salivary glands(mumps, sialadenitis, sialolithiasis, sialostasis, Mikulicz's disease). General signs For each of these pathologies, there is a violation of the secretion of saliva, up to complete cessation, soreness of the gland, its enlargement, salivary colic (pain in the area of ​​the salivary gland while eating), swelling in the area of ​​the salivary gland.

2. Infectious diseases . Dryness in the oral cavity occurs both as a result of increased body temperature and sweating (flu, sore throat, etc.), and due to significant loss of fluid through vomit and feces (cholera, dysentery, etc.).

3. Endocrine diseases . Diabetes mellitus is a disease based on an absolute or relative lack of insulin in the body, causing disturbance carbohydrate and other metabolic processes in the body. Characteristic symptoms of obvious diabetes mellitus are thirst, dry mouth, weight loss, weakness and polyuria (increased amount of urine produced). The volume of urine excreted per day can be 3-6 liters or more. Thirst and dry mouth are associated with a decrease in fluid in the body and suppression of the function of the salivary glands.

Thyrotoxicosis – pathological condition organism that develops as a result high content hormones in the blood thyroid gland. Thyrotoxicosis is a complication of diffuse toxic goiter, thyrotoxic adenoma, multinodular hyperthyroid goiter. Patients complain of a feeling of fear, increased irritability, sleep disturbance, tremors of the arms and entire body, tachycardia, sweating, frequent diarrhea, vomiting, dry mouth, loss of appetite. Xerostomia occurs due to metabolic disorders and increased excretion of fluid from the body.

4. Neoplasms of the oral cavity(malignant and benign). The parotid and submandibular salivary glands are most often affected. Benign tumors most often located in the gland tissue, but can also be superficial. They are painless formations with a smooth or coarsely lumpy surface, dense elastic consistency, with a clearly defined capsule. Malignant tumors They are a dense, painless nodule or infiltrate in the gland, without clear boundaries. As the disease progresses, pain appears. The tumor quickly spreads to surrounding tissues and organs and gives regional metastases. In case of defeat parotid gland paralysis of facial muscles occurs. Dryness of the oral cavity can be observed both due to the presence of the tumor itself (destruction, compression of the gland tissue and its ducts), and as a complication radiation therapy oncological processes in the maxillofacial area due to direct action ionizing radiation on the neurosecretory apparatus and gland tissue.

5. Retinol deficiency(vitamin A) is manifested by paleness and dryness of the skin, its flaking, and a tendency to pustular lesions. Dry and dull hair, dry mouth, photophobia, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, frequent respiratory diseases, brittle and striated nails, cracks in the corner of the mouth, hyperkeratosis (increased keratinization) of the oral mucosa are observed. Vitamin A deficiency leads to severe disorders of the epithelium, in which a change in the course of physiological regeneration(recovery) and its atrophy develops. Increased desquamation again formed epithelium excretory ducts of the salivary glands leads to blockage and the formation of retention cysts. The secretion of saliva slows down, although the gland tissue itself is not affected.

6. Pathological processes leading to increased fluid loss: external and internal bleeding, massive burns, increased body temperature, frequent persistent diarrhea and vomiting, increased sweating.

7. Surgical removal salivary glands carried out for extensive injuries, oncological processes, for chronic inflammatory diseases, if other treatment methods have been ineffective.

8. Injuries of the major salivary glands. Dry mouth is observed when the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual areas are injured. Trauma can lead to rupture of the tissue and ducts of the gland, which can cause disruption of the formation and release of saliva into the oral cavity.

9. Nerve damage(mainly glossopharyngeal and facial cranial nerves), contributing to the work of the salivary glands or the center of salivation (nuclei of the facial and glossopharyngeal nerves in the medulla oblongata).

10. Anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by pallor of the skin and mucous membranes, weakness, physical fatigue and mental lethargy, shortness of breath when moving, frequent dizziness, tinnitus, dry mouth, perversion of taste (addiction to chalk, coal, lime).

11. Nervous overexcitement. Excitement, stress, high psycho-emotional stress sometimes cause dry mouth in people with increased nervous excitability. Dry mouth goes away along with symptoms of stress.

12. Systemic diseases.
Systemic scleroderma is a polysyndromic disease manifested by progressive fibrosis of the skin, internal organs (heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys) and vascular pathology such as obliterating endarteritis with widespread vasospastic (reduction of the lumen of blood vessels due to contraction smooth muscle their walls) violations. The clinic reflects a specific skin lesion that changes appearance patient (mask-like face, sclerodactyly) and various systems body (polyarthralgia, esophagitis, peptic ulcers, pneumosclerosis, cardiosclerosis, glomerulonephritis, etc.), symptoms progress over time. A common symptom is osteolysis nail phalanges, which leads to shortening and deformation of the fingers and toes. Damage to the mucous membranes is manifested by dryness in the oral cavity, thickening and shortening of the frenulum of the tongue. Scleroderma is often combined with Sjögren's syndrome.

Sjögren's disease– a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by dry mucous membranes caused by lymphoid proliferation of the exocrine glands.
Sjogren's syndrome is a symptom complex characterized by a combination of signs of damage to the exocrine glands (usually salivary and lacrimal) with a number of autoimmune diseases.
The course of the disease and Sjogren's syndrome are identical. However, the disease progresses as independent disease, and the syndrome occurs in combination with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic scleroderma and other diseases. Manifestations of pathology can be divided into systemic damage (recurrent non-erosive arthritis, myositis, interstitial nephritis etc.) and symptoms associated with hypofunction of the exocrine glands (dryness of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, nasopharynx, trachea, eyes, vagina, gastrointestinal tract). Patients complain of itching, burning, eyelid pain, and photophobia. Recurrent bacterial conjunctivitis may develop. Damage to the salivary glands leads, most often, to the development of chronic parotitis, accompanied by pain, swelling of the tissue of the salivary glands, and an increase in body temperature to 38 - 40 ° C. On late stages there is a sharp dry mouth, inability to speak, swallow food without adding liquid.

Cystic fibrosis – hereditary disease, characterized systemic damage exocrine glands, manifested by severe dysfunction of the respiratory organs, gastrointestinal tract and a number of other organs and systems. The disease manifests itself already in the neonatal period. At good appetite children do not gain weight, there is a paroxysmal cough, dry oral mucosa, and viscous saliva. There is constant shortness of breath and cyanosis.

Diagnosis of dry mouth

When examining a patient, they clarify childhood diseases (mumps), what medications he is currently taking, and bad habits. The area of ​​the salivary glands is examined and palpated. Based on the data already received, the doctor makes a presumptive diagnosis and determines the tactics for further examination.

Laboratory and instrumental examination for dry mouth

1. general blood test (decrease in hemoglobin and red blood cell count with iron deficiency anemia, scleroderma, increase in leukocytes in inflammatory diseases);
2. General urine analysis - microhematuria (appearance of red blood cells in the urine), proteinuria (protein in the urine), cylindruria, leukocyturia with systemic scleroderma;
3. blood glucose (normal 3.3-5.5 mmol/l, increased glucose levels indicate possible diabetes mellitus);
4. Blood for thyroid hormones: T3, T4, TSH. With thyrotoxicosis, the level of T3, T4 increases and TSH decreases;
5. Biochemical analysis blood: retinol for vitamin A deficiency below 100 mcg/l, carotene – below 200 mcg/l;
6. ELISA ( enzyme immunoassay) – antinuclear antibodies for scleroderma;
7. Serological analysis: rheumatoid factor in a titer of 1:80 for Sjögren's disease;
8. Ultrasound is performed to determine the size of the salivary glands, the presence of stones, tumors, cysts, neuritis, etc.;
9. Sialoscintigraphy - allows you to judge not only secretory function salivary glands in general, but also about each phase of saliva formation separately;
10. Plain radiography - the method is used for sialolithiasis (salivary stone disease), if possible foreign bodies salivary glands, in case of damage to areas of the jaw and facial bones;
11. Sialadenolymphography - used for suspected metastases in the salivary glands;
12. Sialometry – carried out if necessary to assess the excretory capacity of the salivary glands. Normal indicators: 1.0 ml of saliva in 7-20 minutes;
13. Probing of the salivary gland ducts is used to assess their patency;
14. Biopsy and cytology of saliva and the resulting biopsy - used in the presence of neoplasms of the salivary glands;
15. CT ( computed tomography) – the method is effective for diagnosing neoplasms in the area of ​​the salivary glands;
16. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) reveals the cause of pathology of the salivary glands, neuralgia of the glossopharyngeal and facial nerves;
17. If necessary, research quality composition saliva, it is possible to determine the level of immunoglobulins, proteolytic enzymes, amylase, macro- and microelements, etc.

Treatment for dry mouth

Treatment should be comprehensive, agreed with the doctor and include:

1. Treatment of the underlying disease that caused dry mouth.
2. Quitting bad habits (smoking).
3. If dry mouth is caused by medicines, then, on the advice of your doctor, try reducing the dose.
4. Do not often eat highly salted foods.
5. If necessary, drink plenty of fluids.
6. Avoid alcohol-containing mouthwashes.
7. It is possible to use drugs that replace saliva.

Why is dry mouth dangerous?

Dry mouth can be one of the first symptoms of many systemic diseases. Therefore, if possible, consult a doctor as soon as possible for examination. Dry mouth increases the risk of developing gingivitis ( inflammatory disease gums), caries and various oral infections (for example, thrush). Dry mouth can also make it difficult to wear dentures.

Which doctor should I contact for dry mouth?

Therapist, endocrinologist, rheumatologist, dentist.

General practitioner Klentkina Yu.V.

Dry mouth is medically called xerostomia. This disorder occurs very often in men and women at absolutely any age and may indicate various diseases, and be a symptom of some temporary conditions. If similar unpleasant symptom worries a person constantly, he begins to think about what is wrong in his body, and what other signs may indicate possible diseases.

Depending on the presence or absence of accompanying symptoms, you can try to guess why your mouth is dry and you often feel thirsty. However, it would be much better to consult a doctor immediately so that a qualified doctor can carry out all the necessary examinations and determine the exact cause of the disease.

What reasons cause the feeling that your mouth is dry and you are constantly thirsty?

In most cases, such an unpleasant symptom is caused by the following factors:

Is it normal to have a dry mouth during pregnancy?

Often, girls who experience dry mouth during pregnancy do not pay any attention to it, believing that this feeling is absolutely normal for expectant mothers. In fact, in women expecting the birth of a baby, saliva production increases, therefore, with normal drinking regimen and favorable course During pregnancy, such a feeling should not occur.

If your mouth is dry and you are in an “interesting” situation, pay attention to the following:

What to do to get rid of the feeling of constant dry mouth?

If this symptom indicates the presence of any disease in your body, it will be impossible to get rid of it until complete cure main reason. For precise definition The primary source is to consult a doctor and only then begin the prescribed treatment.

In any case, regardless of why your mouth is dry, it will be useful for you to follow these recommendations:

Since dry mouth may be one of the first signs of quite serious illnesses, in particular, diabetes mellitus, should not be ignored.

If you are experiencing this unpleasant feeling almost constantly, not only at night, but also during the day, and besides, you don’t see what obvious reason could cause this disorder, immediately consult a doctor for a detailed diagnosis and identify the factor that provoked it.

Dry mouth or xerostomia is caused by dozens of internal or external factors. Drying of the mucous membrane can be caused by external factors and is easily eliminated by changing the microclimate or taking fluids. But very often xerostomia is a symptom of serious neurological or physiological disorders. If you notice constant dry mouth, what causes should you look for?

The feeling of dry mouth occurs due to insufficient function of the salivary glands. Pathology is detected in 12% of the world's population. In the age group, the incidence of xerostomia increases and amounts to more than 25%. This increase in dysfunction of the salivary glands with age is caused not only by destructive and degenerative processes, but is also the result of numerous diseases suffered during life.

The causes of constant dry mouth are a violation of the qualitative composition and quantitative volume of secretions secreted by the salivary glands.

If you analyze the scientific literature, you will notice how rarely this problem is studied. The reason for this “inattention” is the lack of a clear definition of the very concept of “dry mouth”.

A common cause of decreased salivation is side effects of therapy using:

  • tetracyclic antidepressants;
  • antipsychotics;
  • atropine and antihistamines;
  • β - blockers that cause hyposialia (reduced secretion of saliva).

Drug-induced xerostomia is usually mild or mild, and salivary gland function is restored after treatment adjustments.

Much more dangerous cause inhibition of salivary secretion is radiotherapy used to treat malignant diseases cervicofacial region, upper respiratory tract and digestive tract. Salivary glands extremely sensitive to the effects of ionizing radiation. Under its influence, tissues undergo irreversible changes, causing drying of the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx. A total dose of 10 Gy received over a week of treatment leads to a reduction in saliva production by 50-60%. Chemotherapy also leads to similar consequences, but this phenomenon is usually reversible.

More diverse causes of dry mouth are non-iatrogenic (not caused by diagnostic, preventive or therapeutic actions) character. Constant dry mouth is caused by somatic diseases.

Atypical factors for hypospadias are:

  • bad habits – smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol;
  • drinking coffee and drinks containing caffeine.

The volume of saliva secreted directly depends on the level of hydration (“water content”) of the body.

The feeling of dryness in the mouth accompanies fluid loss due to:

  • profuse sweating caused by elevated temperature body or environment;
  • massive blood loss;
  • extensive damage skin(frostbite, burns);
  • diarrhea and vomiting.

The feeling of dry mouth may appear during pregnancy and lactation. Xerostomia during pregnancy is reversible and is caused by natural processes occurring in a woman’s body.

Xerostomia tends to increase, especially in last decades, which is associated with environmental deterioration, physical inactivity, hypoxia and chronic stress.

A decrease in the secretory function of the salivary glands leads to weakening defense mechanisms oral cavity and creates favorable conditions to the development of pathogenic microflora.

The following disorders are observed with xerostomia:

  • trophic function of oral tissues;
  • process of tooth enamel regeneration;
  • cell cycle of oral epithelial cells;
  • antimicrobial function;
  • digestive processes;
  • synthesis of growth factors:
  • nerves;
  • epidermis;
  • production of parotin, a hormone involved in phosphorus-calcium metabolism in bone and cartilage tissue.

Some scientists cause the increase in hyposalivation and xerostomia is called an increase in life expectancy, since the main number of patients turning to medical institutions regarding dry mouth, noted in developed countries. These are mainly people of the same age group.

What diseases can it appear in?

The causes of constant dry mouth of a non-iatrogenic nature are diseases of the circulatory and endocrine systems, various infections, metabolic disorders:

  • primary and secondary Gougerot-Sjögren syndrome;
  • diabetes mellitus type 2;
  • hyper- or hypothyroidism;
  • Mikulicz syndrome;
  • some metabolic disorders;
  • infectious diseases;
  • hypertension;
  • rheumatoid arthritis;
  • iron deficiency anemia;

A disorder of the salivary glands causes a disturbance in the chewing process caused by malocclusion or tooth loss. Drying of the oral mucosa occurs when breathing through the nose is impaired as a result of rhinitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, hay fever, and obstruction of the nasal cavities.

Dry mouth is caused by loss of fluid due to:

  • blood poisoning;
  • fever;
  • pneumonia;
  • typhus and typhoid fever;
  • some gastrointestinal diseases;
  • poisoning;
  • dysbacteriosis.

Dry mouth is caused by reflex inhibition of the function of the salivary glands, their inflammation (sialadenitis) or blockage of the excretory ducts (sialolithiasis). Neurogenic causes of decreased salivation are observed in some nervous diseases, as well as in case of damage to the nervous system.

Dryness in the mouth is observed in patients with cystic fibrosis, genetic disease– Prader-Willi syndrome, diffuse diseases connective tissue, pathology of the biliary system, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. According to some scientists, the function of the salivary glands very accurately reflects the state of the excretory system. Such a number of diseases, the symptom of which is dry mouth, requires serious study of this condition.

Causes of manifestation during the day and at night

Dry mouth may not occur all the time, but at certain times of the day. If the mucous membrane dries out at night or dryness is felt in the morning, the cause may be impaired nasal breathing, snoring during sleep, increased dryness or air temperature in the room. In older people, breathing through the mouth during sleep is caused by weakening of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus lower jaw.
In women, hyposalivation may be caused by the use of cosmetics for treatment acne, high fat content skin. When applied medicinal cosmetics before going to bed, in the morning there is discomfort in the oral cavity and a feeling of dryness.

Eating salty, spicy foods and alcohol for dinner is also accompanied by morning thirst and dry mouth.

During the daytime, a feeling of dryness can be caused by:

  • intense physical activity;
  • negative emotions;
  • insufficient fluid intake;
  • prolonged exposure to the sun;
  • high ambient temperature;
  • work in a heating microclimate;
  • staying in the sauna;
  • stress.

All these factors cause a temporary feeling of dryness and when they are eliminated, saliva production is restored.

Dryness and bad breath

Bad breath (halitosis) accompanies insufficient saliva production. Saliva has bactericidal, antifungal, antiseptic properties. Normally, 1 m3 of salivary gland secretion contains about 4,000 leukocytes, which provide protective function in the oral cavity. If the amount of saliva is insufficient, the natural microbiocenosis (complex of microorganisms) changes, and the number of pathogenic microbes and fungi increases. The waste products of anaerobic microorganisms that appear in the oral cavity in the absence of saliva have an unpleasant odor.

In addition, with a decrease in saliva production, the initial stages of digestion occurring in the oral cavity are disrupted. Food is not wetted, remains for a long time in the interdental space, under the gums, and as a result of putrefactive processes, volatile substances with an unpleasant odor are released.

When the mucous membrane dries out as a result of a compensatory process, plasma proteins are released on the surface of the mucous membrane - a whitish coating; it is not only a favorable environment for reproduction pathogenic microorganisms, but also a substrate for the release of volatile sulfur compounds.

Halitosis is caused by periodontal inflammation, caries and others. dental diseases. This pathology is also caused by dry mouth. That is why dry mouth and halitosis are indicators of dehydration (dehydration) of the body and symptoms of disturbances in the processes occurring in the oral cavity.

Constant feelings of discomfort

During the day, three pairs of large salivary glands - parotid, submandibular, sublingual - secrete 0.5-2 liters of saliva of a complex composition into the oral cavity.

Impaired production or flow of saliva is accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • mucous membrane inner surface the cheeks and surface of the tongue become sticky;
  • a whitish coating is deposited on the sky;
  • saliva does not accumulate in the mouth;
  • cervical (cervical) caries appears;
  • the structure and color of the gums changes;
  • the mucous membrane becomes pale and matte;
  • the secreted saliva foams;
  • there are no papillae along the edge of the tongue;
  • Numerous grooves appear on the surface of the tongue;
  • lobules are noticeable on the tongue;
  • the mucous membrane of the cheeks and tongue atrophies;
  • Plaque is deposited on the teeth;
  • speech function is impaired;
  • digestion suffers;
  • the sense of taste is distorted;
  • the process of eating is difficult;
  • there is a bad breath.

Atrophy of the mucous membrane is accompanied by thinning, the appearance of small erosions and cracks not only in the mouth, but also in the corners of the lips.

Features of the disease during pregnancy

Dry mouth during gestation is caused by natural changes in the body:

  • increased urine output caused by:
  • mechanical compression bladder growing fetus;
  • changes in hormonal levels - hyperproduction of progesterone, which affects the tone of the pelvic muscles;
  • increased volume of fluid in the body, which the kidneys cannot cope with.
  • imbalance of minerals due to their use to build fetal tissue. Therefore, pregnant women often have a desire to eat pickles, which cause thirst and dry mouth.

If dry mouth is accompanied by a metallic taste or the smell of acetone, then a possible cause of the condition is gestational diabetes.

How to deal with dry mouth?

To eliminate dry mouth you need to:

  1. maintain oral hygiene;
  2. visit the dentist regularly;
  3. observe the drinking regime - drink 1.5-2 liters of water per day;
  4. drink in small sips and often;
  5. exclude caffeinated drinks and sweet carbonated water;
  6. To brush your teeth, use toothpastes containing fluoride and essential oils, having bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and deodorizing effects;
  7. rinse the mouth with a 2% solution sea ​​salt at least 4 times a day, irrigation with 0.9% sodium chloride solution (saline) and decoctions medicinal plants, stimulating the secretion of saliva;
  8. Avoid alcohol-containing mouth rinses;
  9. do not use hard toothbrushes;
  10. use lip moisturizers;
  11. stimulate saliva production with sugar-free chewing gum and sour candies.

For severe xerostomia, use:

  • gel "Xerostom";
  • saliva substitute Oralbalance;
  • lysozyme solution;
  • Lysocol with collagen;
  • 5% methyluracil ointment;
  • physiotherapy – electrophoresis with medications on the area of ​​the salivary glands.

    • If there is constant dryness in the mouth, you should undergo an examination, determine the cause of the condition and begin treatment. somatic diseases who called her.