Common signs and symptoms that point to Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)
- Complications with eating dry foods
- Constantly needing to drink
- Pain originating from the tongue (glossodynia)
- Inflammation of the lips (cheilitis)
- Severe cases can lead to fissuring and cracking of the oral cavity and ulcers developing on the tongue
What could the cause be for Xerostomia?
- Medications
- The most common cause of dry mouth is medication such as antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics and diuretics as well as other commonly used drugs.
- Cancer Treatment
- Radiation therapy to the head or neck often causes acute xerostomia which can lead to permanent fibrosis of the salivary gland leading to mucositis.
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- A chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease in which lymphocytic infiltration of salivary and lacrimal glands result in dry mouth as well as other symptoms.
- Several other diseases have the ability to cause xerostomia such as hypertension, endocrine disorders, nutritional deficiencies typically linking to dehydration, thyroid dysfunction and even hereditary diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Common signs and symptoms of Mucositis
- Blood appearing in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or talking for long periods of time
- Swollen, red gums and mouth region
- When eating food there is a mild burning sensation or feeling of dryness
- White patches in the mouth or on the tongue
Why does cancer treatment often increase the likelihood of mucositis or worsen the issue?
- Chemotherapy
- Low white blood cell count which allows for complications in the treated area
- Radiation
- Radiation locations typically become inflamed and cause a necrotic agitation to the area
- Other determining factors that can increase the likelihood of mucositis or make the issue worse
- Previous cancer treatments that gradually increase the chances of affected area
- Subpar dental/oral health
- Chewing tobacco habits
- Dehydration
