Skip to main content

Featured post

"Exploring Post-Grommet Complications: What You Need to Know"

 Navigating Postoperative Complications of Grommet Insertion: A Comprehensive Guide Grommet insertion, a standard surgical procedure to alleviate symptoms of middle ear disorders, can sometimes be accompanied by postoperative complications. Among these, one of the most frequently encountered issues is otorrhea or ear discharge. Understanding the nature of postoperative complications and their management is crucial for patients and healthcare providers. Types of Otorrhea Postoperative otorrhea manifests in various forms, including early, delayed, chronic, and recurrent. Early otorrhea occurs within four weeks of surgery, while delayed otorrhea surfaces four or more weeks post-surgery. Chronic otorrhea persists for three months or longer, while recurrent otorrhea involves three or more discrete episodes. Studies suggest that ear discharge after grommet insertion affects a significant proportion of patients, with rates varying from 16% to as high as 80%. Prophylactic Measures and Treatmen

Cracking the Code of Dry Mouth

 



What are the most common causes of dry mouth?

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs when there is a decreased flow of saliva in the mouth. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by lubricating the mouth, aiding in digestion, and preventing tooth decay. There can be various causes of dry mouth, including:

 

1.       Medications: A wide range of prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect. These include antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, antihypertensive drugs, and more.

 

2.       Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can lead to dry mouth. These include autoimmune diseases like Sjögren's syndrome, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson's disease, and stroke.

 

3.       Dehydration: Not drinking enough water or experiencing excessive sweating can lead to dehydration, which in turn can cause dry mouth.

 

4.       Nerve Damage: Damage to the nerves that control saliva production can result in dry mouth. This damage can be due to trauma, surgery, or certain medical conditions.

 

5.       Radiation Therapy: Patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancers can experience damage to the salivary glands, leading to reduced saliva production and dry mouth.

 

6.       Chemotherapy: Certain chemotherapy drugs can affect the salivary glands, causing temporary or permanent dry mouth.

 

7.       Lifestyle Factors: Habits such as smoking or chewing tobacco can contribute to dry mouth. Alcohol and caffeine consumption can also contribute to dehydration and dry mouth.

 

8.       Aging: As people age, their salivary glands may not function as efficiently, leading to reduced saliva production and dry mouth.

 

9.       Nerve Disorders: Conditions like anxiety or stress can affect the nervous system and lead to dry mouth as a response.

 

10.   Breathing Through the Mouth: Breathing primarily through the mouth, especially during sleep, can dry out the oral tissues and lead to dry mouth.

 

11.   Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Snoring and sleep apnea can cause mouth breathing during sleep, leading to dry mouth.

 

12.   Mouth Breathing: Habitual mouth breathing, often due to nasal congestion, can lead to dry mouth.

 

It's important to note that the treatment of dry mouth depends on the underlying cause. If you're experiencing persistent dry mouth, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional or dentist to identify the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Drinking plenty of water, using sugar-free gum or lozenges, and maintaining good oral hygiene are general strategies that can help alleviate dry mouth symptoms.

 


What are some strategies to manage and alleviate dry mouth?

 

Here are some strategies to manage and alleviate dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. These tips not only help relieve discomfort but also promote overall oral health by addressing the underlying causes of dry mouth.

 

1.       Stimulate Saliva Flow: Chew sugar-free gum or opt for sugar-free hard candies. Xylitol, commonly found in these products, may be helpful, but excessive consumption might lead to diarrhea or cramps.

 

2.       Limit Caffeine Intake: Reduce your caffeine consumption, as caffeine can exacerbate dry mouth symptoms.

 

3.       Choose Alcohol-Free Mouthwash: Avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as they can further dry out your mouth.

 

4.       Quit Tobacco: If you smoke or use smokeless tobacco, it's beneficial to quit to improve your oral health.

 

5.       Stay Hydrated: Regularly sip water throughout the day to maintain moisture in your mouth.

 

6.       Use Saliva Substitutes: Over-the-counter saliva substitutes can be helpful. Look for products containing xylitol, carboxymethylcellulose, or hydroxyethyl cellulose, such as Mouth Kote, Oasis Moisturizing Mouth Spray, or Biotene Dry Mouth Oralbalance Moisturizing Gel.

 

7.       Try Dry Mouth Mouthwash: Consider using a mouthwash specifically formulated for dry mouth, containing xylitol. Examples include Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse, bioXtra Dry Mouth Ultra Mild Mouthrinse, or ACT Dry Mouth Mouthwash.

 

8.       Avoid Certain Over-the-Counter Medications: Steer clear of antihistamines and decongestants without a prescription, as they can worsen dry mouth symptoms.

 

9.       Nasal Breathing: Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth to help retain moisture.

 

10.   Use a Humidifier: Employ a room humidifier at night to add moisture to the air.

 

Saliva is vital for maintaining oral health. To protect your teeth and mouth when dealing with dry mouth:

 

1.       Choose Tooth-Friendly Foods: Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, like carbonated beverages, to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

 

2.       Select Soft Foods: Stay away from dry, spicy, salty, or hard-to-chew foods that can cause discomfort with a dry mouth.

 

3.       Opt for Fluoride Toothpaste: Brush with fluoride toothpaste, and consult your dentist about the potential benefits of a prescription fluoride toothpaste.

 

4.       Use Fluoride Rinse or Gel: Consider using a fluoride rinse or brush-on gel before bedtime, potentially with a custom-fit fluoride applicator from your dentist.

 

5.       Regular Dental Visits: Schedule dental appointments at least annually to detect and address dental issues. More frequent visits might be necessary based on your specific needs.

 

If these measures don't improve your dry mouth, consult your doctor or dentist. Dry mouth can stem from medications or other health conditions. Medications are a common culprit, so addressing the underlying issue might involve adjusting your medication or dosage or addressing other health concerns to find a lasting solution for dry mouth.

 

 

What are examples of Over-the-counter saliva substitutes  available in UK?

 

A few examples of over-the-counter saliva substitutes that are available in the UK:

 

1.       Biotène Oralbalance Moisturising Gel: This gel contains moisturising agents to help alleviate dry mouth symptoms. It can provide relief by mimicking the natural saliva's lubricating and protective functions.

 

2.       Glandosane Artificial Saliva Spray: Glandosane is a spray that acts as an artificial saliva substitute. It's designed to moisturise and lubricate the mouth, providing relief from dry mouth discomfort.

 

3.       Xerostom Spray: Xerostom Spray is formulated to help manage dry mouth by providing lubrication and moisture to oral tissues.

 

4.       Saliveze Moisturising Mouth Spray: This mouth spray is specifically designed to alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth by providing a soothing and moisturising effect.

 

5.       BioXtra Dry Mouth Gel: BioXtra offers a range of products, including a dry mouth gel that can help relieve dry mouth symptoms and promote oral comfort.

 

6.       Oasis Moisturising Mouth Spray: Oasis Moisturising Mouth Spray is designed to provide long-lasting relief from dry mouth symptoms by moisturising and hydrating the mouth.

 

Remember, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or dentist before using any new products, especially if you have specific health concerns or conditions. They can provide guidance on the most suitable options for your individual needs and advise on proper usage.

 


What are examples of mouthwash specifically formulated for dry mouth available in UK?

 

A few examples of mouthwashes specifically formulated for dry mouth that are available in the UK:

 

1.       Biotène Dry Mouth Oral Rinse: Biotène offers a dry mouth oral rinse that is designed to provide immediate relief from dry mouth symptoms. It helps moisturise and lubricate the mouth, promoting comfort.

 

2.       bioXtra Dry Mouth Ultra Mild Mouthrinse: This mouthrinse from bioXtra is formulated to alleviate the discomfort of dry mouth by providing moisture and hydration to the oral tissues.

 

3.       ACT Dry Mouth Mouthwash: ACT offers a dry mouth mouthwash that aims to soothe and moisturise dry mouth. It helps maintain oral health by promoting a healthier environment in the mouth.

 

4.       OraCoat XyliMelts: While not a traditional mouthwash, XyliMelts are oral adhering discs that slowly release xylitol and cellulose gum to help lubricate the mouth and alleviate dry mouth symptoms.

 

5.       Saliwell Mouthrinse: Saliwell is designed to provide relief for dry mouth symptoms by creating a protective film in the mouth that helps maintain moisture and comfort.

 

6.       Oralieve Moisturising Mouth Rinse: Oralieve offers a mouth rinse that is specifically formulated for dry mouth relief. It aims to provide comfort by moisturising and protecting the mouth.

 

Remember to read the product labels and usage instructions before using any mouthwash, and consider discussing your choice with a dentist or healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. They can help you select the most appropriate option for your needs.

 

 

 

What are examples of lozenges specifically formulated for dry mouth available in UK?

A few examples of lozenges specifically formulated for dry mouth that are available in the UK:

 

1.       BioXtra Dry Mouth Relief Lozenges: These lozenges are designed to provide relief from dry mouth symptoms. They contain xylitol to stimulate saliva production and help maintain oral moisture.

 

2.       Biotène Dry Mouth Relief Lozenges: Biotène offers lozenges that help soothe and moisturise the mouth, providing relief from dry mouth discomfort. They are sugar-free and can stimulate saliva production.

 

3.       Xerostom Dry Mouth Pastilles: Xerostom offers pastilles that are formulated to provide moisture and lubrication to the mouth, helping alleviate dry mouth symptoms.

 

4.       TheraBreath Dry Mouth Lozenges: TheraBreath's lozenges are designed to address dry mouth by stimulating saliva production and promoting oral comfort.

 

5.       Oralieve Dry Mouth Relief Lozenges: Oralieve offers lozenges specifically created to alleviate dry mouth symptoms. They aim to provide moisture and relief to the oral tissues.

 

When choosing a lozenge for dry mouth relief, it's a good idea to read the product labels, consult with a healthcare professional if needed, and consider your individual preferences and sensitivities. These lozenges can offer temporary relief from dry mouth symptoms, but it's important to address the underlying causes of dry mouth for long-term management.

How is dry mouth treated?

 

The treatment of dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, depends on its underlying cause. Addressing the root cause is essential for effective management. Here are some general strategies and approaches that can be used to treat dry mouth:

 

1.       Identify and Address Underlying Causes: If dry mouth is caused by a specific medical condition, medication, or lifestyle factor, addressing the root cause is paramount. Work with a healthcare professional to identify and treat any underlying conditions.

 

2.       Medication Review and Adjustment: If dry mouth is a side effect of certain medications, your doctor might consider adjusting the dosage, changing the medication, or exploring alternative treatment options.

 

3.       Saliva Substitutes and Mouth Moisturizers: Over-the-counter saliva substitutes, oral sprays, gels, and moisturizing products specifically designed for dry mouth can help alleviate discomfort and provide temporary relief by mimicking saliva's lubricating effects.

 

4.       Stay Hydrated: Drinking water regularly throughout the day can help keep your mouth moist. Sip water and carry a water bottle with you to ensure hydration.

 

5.       Sugar-Free Gum and Lozenges: Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free lozenges can stimulate saliva production and provide temporary relief.

 

6.       Prescription Medications: In some cases, prescription medications may be used to stimulate saliva production. These medications are typically used in severe cases of dry mouth.

 

7.       Use Humidifiers: Adding a humidifier to your living and sleeping spaces can increase moisture in the air, which can help alleviate dry mouth symptoms, especially during the night.

 

8.       Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent dental issues that can arise from reduced saliva production. Regular brushing and flossing, along with fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash, can help prevent cavities.

 

9.       Avoid Irritants: Stay away from alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, as they can contribute to dry mouth and exacerbate its effects.

 

10.   Nasal Breathing Techniques: Practice breathing through your nose instead of your mouth whenever possible to reduce the dryness of oral tissues.

 

11.   Regular Dental Visits: Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor and manage any oral health issues that may arise due to dry mouth.

 

12.   Dietary Changes: Consuming foods that are less likely to cause irritation or dryness can be beneficial. Soft, moist foods are often easier to tolerate.

 

13.   Prescription Fluoride Treatments: Your dentist might recommend prescription fluoride products, such as toothpaste or rinses, to help prevent tooth decay and maintain oral health.

 

14.   Salivary Gland Stimulation: In some cases, techniques such as electrostimulation or medications might be used to stimulate salivary gland function.

 

It's important to work closely with your healthcare professional, dentist, or oral health specialist to determine the best treatment plan for your specific situation. They can help tailor the approach based on the severity of your dry mouth, its underlying causes, and your overall health.


                   Mr Gaurav Kumar
           Ear, Nose & Throat Consultant

Consulting at Spire London East, Spire Hartswood Brentwood, Nuffield Health Brentwood
To book an appointment, visit https://tinyurl.com/GKAppointmentBooking


Phone Number: 07494914140





Disclaimer: For general information only, always seek medical advice from your treating consultant.
Read more about ENT Conditions at Read more about ENT Conditions at https://www.entsurgeon-london.co.uk/

https://tinyurl.com/GKTopENTDoctor






Popular Post

Retracted Ear Drum

  What Is a Retracted Eardrum? A retracted eardrum, also known as tympanic membrane retraction, is a condition where the eardrum (tympanic membrane) is pulled inward or drawn backwards from its normal position. The eardrum is a thin, delicate membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. It plays a crucial role in transmitting sound vibrations from the outer ear to the middle ear, where the auditory ossicles (small bones) are located.   Under normal circumstances, the eardrum is slightly concave and positioned at an angle that allows it to respond to changes in air pressure. The Eustachian tube, a tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat, helps equalize pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment.   However, in cases of a retracted eardrum, the Eustachian tube might not function correctly or become blocked, leading to an imbalance in pressure. When negative pressure builds up in the middle ear, it causes the eardrum to retract inwa
Read more

"Naseptin: Powerful Defence Against Nasal Bacteria!"

  Everything You Need to Know About Using Naseptin Nasal Cream   If you've been dealing with nasal issues, you may have come across Naseptin nasal cream as a potential solution. Whether you suffer from recurrent nasal infections (vestibulitis), nose bleeds or simply need some relief from nasal dryness, Naseptin can be a valuable aid. In this blog, we'll cover everything you need to know about using Naseptin nasal cream to ensure you get the best results from this trusted product.   Unlocking the Power of Naseptin Nasal Cream: A Guide to Its Versatile Uses   Naseptin nasal cream, a powerful ally in nasal health, holds the key to treating infections caused by staphylococcal bacteria. This versatile cream offers much more than meets the eye, and we're here to shed light on its incredible benefits! 🌟 👃 Kicking Nose Infections to the Curb: Say goodbye to those troublesome nose infections! Naseptin comes to the rescue, targeting staphylococcal bacteria and effect
Read more

Boil in the Ear canal can be very painful...

How do I know I have boil in the ear canal? The ear canal is lined by skin up to the eardrum. Skin in the outer third of the ear canal has hair follicles. Hair follicles can get infected with bacteria and can form boil or furunculosis. It is challenging to look in our own ear canal. You can only feel a bump in the ear canal entrance which is tender to touch. Why is so painful when we have boil in the ear? Ear canal skin is very tightly attached to underlying cartilage. So any swelling in the skin stretches it and makes it very sore to touch. How do we get boil in the ear canal?  Most common causes of boil in the canal is dryness of the skin and trauma. Dry skin leads to cracks and these cracks can get infected. People who use dry earbuds, fingers, towel edges or pens and traumatise ear canal skin, which can get infected with bacteria. How do I release the temptation of using earbuds? Some people can get very dry skin due to sensitivity to soup, shampoo or dy
Read more

Tonsil Stones or Tonsilloliths

Where do Tonsil Stones come from? Tonsil stones or tonsillolith are formed in the tiny crevices on the tonsil surface. Tonsils are present at the back of the throat. Two large tonsils on each side can catch food particles when we eat. This food debris can accumulate bacteria and give a bad smell. This mixture of bacteria and food debris can become solid to form tonsil stones. Can Tonsil Stones go away on their own? Tonsil stones form due to food particle and bacteria. You can prevent stone formation by regularly rinsing mouth after every meal, good oral hygiene and dental care. Gargling with salt water and gentle use of bud to deliver the stones can help in some cases. Soft water floss can help keep tonsil surface clean. If you have, post nasal drip due to sinusitis, seeking treatment advice from ENT surgeon can help. You should not use sharp objects to clean tonsil stones or make tonsil surface bleed. What symptoms do tonsil stones cause? Tonsil ston
Read more

Cholesteatoma Ear Surgery

What is a Cholesteatoma? The ear has three parts outer ear (ear lobe and ear canal), the middle ear ( eardrum and bones of hearing) and inner ear. Cholesteatoma is skin from ear canal migrating into the middle ear. Like the skin on head keeps shedding and can cause dandruff. Similarly, skin in the middle ear can cause cholesteatoma, which can form a gradually expanding sac and can damage structures in the middle ear to give deafness, inner ear to give permanent deafness, nerve to the face to give a facial weakness or rarely give infection of the lining of the brain to cause meningitis Is cholesteatoma surgery or mastoidectomy done under general anaesthetic? Cholesteatoma is a surgical problem. Unfortunately, no medications work on it. Cholesteatoma surgery is called mastoidectomy, i.e. clearing cholesteatoma infection from the mastoid bone (the hard bone behind your ear). The procedure is done under general, i.e. you will be sleeping while the procedure is don
Read more

Vertigo and Dizziness..

Are labyrinthitis and vertigo the same? The ear has three main parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, with small bones of hearing, and the inner ear, consisting of the labyrinth. The labyrinth has two parts as well, hearing processing part and balance part. When you get an infection in the inner ear, it is often called labyrinthitis. Common symptoms for Labyrinthitis are hearing loss or vertigo, however, there are also other causes for vertigo as well. What is the most important thing to remember when you have labyrinthitis symptoms? In the first few hours of symptoms, it is difficult to know between stroke and labyrinthitis. If you have vertigo and notice one side of your face becoming droopy, your arms or leg become weak and speech becomes slurred, you should call for urgent help. What is the difference between labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis? If you only have vertigo symptoms, then it is due to vestibular neuritis. Vestibular neuritis oc
Read more

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Are you unable to pop your ears or feeling pressure in your ears? Eustachian tube dysfunction is a very common problem after flu or cold or even after long haul flight when you feel hearing is muffled, feel pressure around the ears and sometimes you feel as if you are underwater. Good news is most of the time it is temporary.  If you try decongestants, antihistamine ( hay fever tablets ) and Valsalva (ie try and pop your ears) things should improve after a few days to a week. Why do we have symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction? The eustachian tube is present at the back of our nose and connects the nose to the middle ear. It is there to maintain equal pressure on both sides of the eardrum. The eustachian tube also helps in clearing normal mucus from the middle ear.  Hence opening and closing of this ventilation tube are very important for hearing. Normally every time we yawn and chew this tube opens and closes without us noticing it. So, if this opening of ventilation tube
Read more

Pharyngeal Pouch

  What is a pharyngeal pouch? When we eat food, it passes through the mouth, into the pharynx (the space behind our oral cavity) and then into the oesophagus (food pipe). In some patients, the lower part of the pharynx can bulge or form a pocket that can collect food and become large enough to compress on the food pipe. This 'hernia' is commonly known as the   pharyngeal pouch   or   Zenker's diverticulum. Is a pharyngeal pouch serious? A pharyngeal pouch is an uncommon condition presenting predominantly in males than females, usually showing after the age of seventy or later. If the pharyngeal pouch is left untreated, it can become more prominent, and the regurgitation of food into the windpipe can lead to chest infections. In sporadic cases, cancer can form in the pouch.  What are the symptoms of a pharyngeal pouch? Symptoms of pharyngeal pouch depend on the size. A small pharyngeal pouch mainly presents as a feeling of something stuck in the throat or choking on food, an
Read more

Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS)

🔍 Unlocking the Mystery of Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS) 🌀✨ It's a rare condition that affects the inner ear, and here's the lowdown:   Cause: SCDS occurs when one of the bony canals in the inner ear, particularly the uppermost semicircular canal, doesn't close or thicken properly during fetal development.   Symptoms:   Hearing Loss: It's a common symptom of SCDS. Sound Distortion: Ever feel like sounds aren't quite right? That could be SCDS at play. Balance Problems: SCDS can throw your balance off, making you feel unsteady. Autophony: Imagine hearing your own heartbeat or breathing louder than usual. That's autophony. World Tumbling Sensation: Loud noises or pressure changes might make you feel like the world is spinning. Diagnosis and Treatment:   CT Scans: A specialist might use these to spot SCDS, but other tests are crucial too. Hearing Tests: Essential for accurate diagnosis. Treatment: Surgery may be necessary for severe symptoms.
Read more

Bleeding From Ears

  Why is my Q-tip bleeding from my ear?   It can be alarming if you've ever noticed blood on your Q-tip after cleaning your ears. Here are a few reasons why this might happen:   🚫 Avoid Inserting Q-tips Too Deep: The most common cause of bleeding is inserting Q-tips too far into the ear canal. This can lead to irritation, scratches, or even damage to the delicate ear tissues.   🩹 Ear Injuries or Scratches: Vigorous or improper cleaning can cause small injuries or scratches inside the ear canal. These injuries may result in bleeding when you use a Q-tip.   🩸 Ear Infections: Infections like otitis externa or swimmer's ear can make the ear canal more sensitive. Cleaning during an active infection can cause bleeding.   🔄 Wax Impaction: Excessive earwax can cause blockages, leading to a feeling of fullness and impaired hearing. Attempting to clean it out with a Q-tip may cause bleeding, especially if the wax is impacted.   👂 What to Do:   Stop Q-tip Use: Refr
Read more