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.