ISSN: 2048-9145

Pharmaceutical Bioprocessing

Xerostomia

 Up to 40 percent of the overall population is estimated to experience xerostomia or xerostomia with aging. Dry mouth are often caused by conditions like diabetes and autoimmune disorder, prescription and non-prescription drugs and other medical problems like allergy. Chewing tobacco, mouth breathing or using CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) for apnea also causes oral dryness. Night time oral dryness are often related to burning or tingling; sore throat; tongue, gum, and denture ridge soreness; taste dysfunction; speech problems; a sticky feeling within the mouth; and difficulty swallowing. Oral dryness has also been associated with an increased incidence of oral ulceration, infection (candidiasis), tooth decay, periodontal disease, and lip cracking. Some people also experience halitosis, insomnia, irritability, depression, and speech and eating disorders in association with xerostomia. The condition is not inconsequential and impacts quality  of life. Several medications are often prescribed for patients with severe xerostomia caused by autoimmune disorder but these are often related to adverse effects. Pilocarpine, for example, can cause sweating, dizziness, urinary frequency, and in some cases hypersensitivity. In most of the people with xerostomia, however, the condition is mild to moderate and not related to a big underlying medical problem so there's no need for prescription medication.  

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