symptoms of oral and dental disorders
mouth and dental disorders
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands (glands in the mouth that produce saliva) malfunction and thus decrease saliva production. There are many causes, including dehydration and mouth breathing (see table). Themost common causesof dry mouth are Medications and other substances Radiation to the head and neck (for cancer treatment) Medicationsare the most common cause overall. About 400 prescription medications and many nonprescription (over-the-counter) medications cause a decrease in saliva production. The most common classes of medications include the following: Medications that have anticholinergic effects (those that block acetylcholine) Antiparkinsonian medications (those used to treat Parkinson disease) Cancer chemotherapy medications Many commonly used medications have Anticholinergic: What Does It Mean? . Dry mouth is only one among many anticholinergic side effects. Many chemotherapy medications cause severe dryness and Mouth Sores and Inflammation (stomatitis) while they are being taken. These problems usually end after the medications are stopped. Other common medications that cause dry mouth include certain Medications for Treatment of High Blood Pressure (medications used to lower high blood pressure), Illegalmethamphetamineuse has resulted in a disorder called meth mouth, which is severe tooth decay caused bymethamphetamine-induced dry mouth. The damage is worsened by the tooth grinding and clenching caused by the drug, the heat of the inhaled vapor, and probably elevated intake of sugary beverages and poor oral hygiene while using this drug. This combination causes very rapid destruction of teeth and a lifetime of dental problems for younger people. Tobacco use usually causes a decrease of saliva. Radiation therapyfor head and neck cancer can severely damage the salivary glands, often causing permanent dryness. Even low doses of radiation can cause temporary drying. of dry mouth include bodywide (systemic) disorders. Dry mouth is very common among people with Sjögren Syndrome . Some people with 