Do you have dry mouth with diabetes? (Diabetes and Xerostomia) Let's talk about this!

Do you sometimes feel that dry, sticky feeling in your mouth that doesn't go away even after drinking water? It's like there's no saliva in your mouth, and it's difficult to talk or even eat? While many people think this is normal, if you have diabetes, this can be a serious symptom that you shouldn't ignore. So let's talk about this in more depth today.

What does this dry mouth mean?

Dry mouth is medically known as xerostomia. Simply put, it is a lack of moisture in your mouth. The main reason for this is that the salivary glands in our mouth do not produce enough saliva. This is not just thirst, it is a different condition.

What is the relationship between diabetes and dry mouth?

Yes, dry mouth is a very common symptom among people with diabetes, especially those whose blood sugar levels are not well controlled. In fact, sometimes dry mouth is the first symptom of diabetes .

Imagine, when blood sugar levels rise, our body tries to excrete that extra sugar through urine. This uses up a lot of water in the body. This can lead to dehydration. As a result, saliva production in the mouth decreases and the mouth starts to become dry.

What are the symptoms of a persistent dry mouth?

Everyone can get dry mouth from time to time. But if you have this condition constantly, you may have to experience things like this.

Why is dry mouth bad for our health?

The saliva in our mouths is not just a thing. It has several very important functions:

• It helps us digest the food we eat.
• Controls harmful bacteria in the mouth.
• Provides minerals needed to strengthen teeth.
• After eating, it washes away acids and food particles that remain on the teeth and gums.

Now you understand what happens when you don't have enough saliva? A person who doesn't have enough saliva is at a much higher risk of developing problems like these:

• Cavities: Teeth decay quickly because saliva does not clean them.
• Gum disease: Conditions such as gingivitis and severe gum inflammation (periodontitis) can occur.
• Oral Infections: The mouth creates a favorable environment for bacteria and fungi to grow. Thrush (Candidiasis) is a common fungal infection.
• Plaque Bonding: Plaque bonds to teeth quickly.

When a person with diabetes has high blood sugar levels, they are more likely to develop infections. And it can take longer for wounds to heal. So, when high blood sugar levels and dry mouth come together, they can lead to serious dental health problems if left untreated.

What are other causes of dry mouth?

Although high blood sugar levels are the main cause, there can be other reasons for dry mouth.

• Dehydration of the body.
• Damage to the nerves leading to the salivary glands.
• Dialysis treatment for kidney patients.
• Constant mouth breathing.
• Smoking.
• Excessive stress.
• Certain medical conditions (e.g. HIV, AIDS, Sjögren's syndrome).
• Some medications (e.g., medications for high blood pressure, depression, and cancer).

How is this treated?

The best thing to do is to treat the underlying cause of dry mouth.

If your dry mouth is caused by high blood sugar levels, you and your doctor should work together to come up with a good plan to control it.

If the cause is a medication you are taking, you can talk to your doctor about stopping the medication, reducing the dose, or switching to a different medication. Never stop taking a medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.

In addition, the doctor may also recommend artificial saliva substitutes such as `(sorbitol)`.

Home remedies

• Drink water regularly: Drinking water little by little throughout the day, rather than drinking a large amount at once, can help keep your mouth moist.
• Sugar-free gum or candy: Chewing sugar-free gum or chewing sugar-free candy stimulates saliva production.
• Use Lip Balm: Use lip balm to prevent chapped lips.
• Use a humidifier: Using a humidifier can help maintain the humidity (moisture) in your bedroom at night.

How can this situation be prevented?

The best way to prevent dry mouth is to keep your diabetes under control.

• Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables.
• Attend clinics on the dates prescribed by your doctor.
• Check your blood sugar levels regularly.
• Take your medications as prescribed.
• Stay active and maintain a healthy weight.

In addition, these lifestyle changes will also help you:

• Avoid alcohol, smoking, and high-sugar foods and drinks.
• Brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride.
• Floss between your teeth every day.
• Limit salty and spicy foods.
• See a dentist once or twice a year.

When should I see a doctor?

Dry mouth can be an early sign of diabetes, so if you're experiencing it, mention it to your doctor the next time you see him.

However, if you have diabetes and experience one or more of the following symptoms , see a doctor immediately:

Dry mouth, Diabetes, Xerostomia, Oral health, Blood sugar, Tooth decay, Gum disease