Dry mouth, ya xerostomia, sirf “pyaas lagna” nahi. Saliva normally mouth ka natural bodyguard hai—ye acids neutral karta hai, food particles wash karta hai, aur enamel ko minerals provide karta hai. Jab saliva kam ho jata hai, to teeth aur gums dono vulnerable ho jaate hain.
Dry mouth ke patients ko sticky feeling, difficulty in chewing/swallowing, frequent sipping need, bad breath, aur taste change jaisa lag sakta hai. Long term me cavities especially gum line ke paas zyada banne lagti hain. Denture wearers ko sores aur discomfort bhi feel ho sakta hai.
Causes bohot saare ho sakte hain: kuch medicines (for BP, allergies, depression etc.), diabetes, autoimmune diseases, radiation to head/neck, smoking, ageing, ya simply kam paani peena. Exact reason identify karna helpful hota hai.
Management me small–frequent sips of water, sugar-free chewing gum (saliva stimulate karne ke liye), alcohol-free mouthwash, aur specially formulated dry-mouth gels/sprays use ho sakte hain. High sugar lozenges ya constant sweet drinks se cavities aur badh sakti hain, to unse bachna hai.
Dentist ko apni medicines list, health conditions sab clear batao. Woh fluoride treatments, remineralising products, aur customised prevention plan suggest kar sakta hai, jisse teeth damage slow ho sakta hai.