One of the most common signs of diabetes is dry mouth. Dry mouth in medical terms is xerostomia. Dry mouth may occur in both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. Not every diabetic would experience it, even though. A person can also have dry mouth if he or she is not diabetic. If a person has dry mouth and suspects that he or she is diabetic, a discussion with a doctor is must.
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Signs of dry mouth
Dry mouth may occur because of decreased saliva in the mouth. The signs of dry mouth include:
- frequent pain in the mouth
- infections in the oral cavity
- sores in the mouth
- a rough, dry tongue
- a lack of moisture in the mouth
- cracked and chapped lips
- problems during swallowing, talking, or chewing
What causes dry mouth?
Any person may get dry mouth. Yet, it’s a common sign seen in type 1 and type 2 diabetics. The exact causes are unknown. High glucose levels may cause dry mouth in diabetics. Some medicines or diabetes may also result in dry mouth.
Other causes of dry mouth can be:
- dehydration
- kidney dialysis
- breathing through the mouth
Home Remedies
A person can improve his or her signs of dry mouth at home. Some home remedies can be:
- chewing gum
- brushing your teeth two times day with fluoride toothpaste
- eating high-fiber fruits and veggies
- using toothpicks to scrape too much plaque off the teeth
- using alcohol-free mouthwash
- avoiding food and beverages containing lot of sugar, caffeine, or artificial sweeteners
- drinking enough water
- flossing after every meal
- sucking on mints comprising xylitol. This component acts as a breath-freshener.
It is a must to identify the basic cause behind the treatment of dry mouth. If high blood glucose causes dry mouth, sugar control improves the signs. If person suspects a medicine he or she is taking, discuss with a doctor. He or she may suggest a different medicine or adjust its dosage. A person must also visit a dentist on a regular basis. Frequent cleaning helps to improve the oral health. And this affects dry mouth positively.
A reduction in sugar levels creates a big impact on dry mouth. A person might reduce the blood glucose via some lifestyle habits:
- taking foods and beverages with less sugar
- taking fiber rich diet
- intake of a diet containing healthy fats and proteins
- take medicines as prescribed
- monitor the sugar levels regularly. You can check the normal blood sugar levels chart age wise.
Scientists also investigate the new ways of treating diabetes. A study found that oral moisturizing jelly decreased the signs of dry mouth in adults with dry mouth. More studies are important, yet this initial study’s findings are hopeful.
Complications of dry mouth
Unmanaged dry mouth may cause oral health problems. Saliva breaks down carbs. It contains cells that can help fight off pathogens leading to infection. When a person has less saliva, glucose and germs accumulate in the mouth. This may cause accumulation of plaque, which may cause cavities.
Unmanaged dry mouth may give rise to following complications over time:
- periodontitis, or inflammation around the tissue surrounding the teeth
- thrush, or candidiasis. It is the growth of excess fungus in the mouth
- gingivitis, or inflamed, irritated gums because of bacteria
- bad breath that continues after brushing teeth and too much cleaning
In certain serious cases, the salivary glands may get infected. A dry mouth may also cause problems with sleeping. It can also affect the sense of taste.
Prevention
Many methods of treating dry mouth are also ways to prevent it. Follow these tips to prevent dry mouth:
- Do not consume spicy and salty foods, particularly if they cause mouth pain.
- Use a humidifier in home. Enhanced moisture in the air helps to relieve dry mouth.
- Do not have caffeine, tobacco, and drinks that contain alcohol. These may make dry mouth worse.
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Hydration lowers the risk of dry mouth.
- Go to a dentist twice per year for regular teeth cleanings.
Dry mouth is classically manageable. For a diabetic, controlling sugar levels can be the best tool to manage dry mouth. Take medicines as per prescription. Also, avoid sugary food and drinks. If dry mouth carries on being a problem, discuss with a doctor. It can be a side effect of the medicine. Regular visits to a dentist can also treat the dry mouth. Dry mouth isn’t generally a serious complications of diabetes. However, it may cause health issues if proper treatment is not given Read More
