In general, when there is reduced or totally absent saliva flow the condition is called Xerostomia or can be defined as dry mouth. There are chances that your mouth feels dry especially at mealtime, and you need to moisten or sip liquids often. The swallowing of particularly dry food is difficult in this condition, in addition to sore throats, burning sensations, and even difficulty speaking. A consult with Oral Pathologist is normally recommended.

Xerostomia is not really a disease but can cause health problems by affecting nutrition as well as psychological health. It maybe a symptom of a medical condition such as Sjogren's syndrome (an auto immune disease), which is a side effect from cancer disease therapy. There are many complications associated with xerostomia. It can contribute to and increase the chances of contracting tooth decay and mouth infections like gum disease and thrush. It is normal for the gums to recede as we age and the incidence of Root Surface decay is increasing especially in people who are taking certain medications.

In the absence of saliva, a patient may have unwashed food debris and plaque causing tooth decay and other mouth infections like gum disease and bad breath. Conditions that lead to dehydration, such as fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, and burns can cause dry mouth. Many times as a side effect of a wide variety of medications xerostomia is the result of failure of the salivary glands to function normally. Trauma to the head and neck area from surgery (sinus lifts or dental implants) or wounds can damage the nerves that supply sensation to the mouth. While the salivary glands may be left intact, they cannot function normally without the nerves that signal them to produce saliva.

In case of ongoing treatment and medications due to mentioned health issues, the best would be to manage and minimize dry mouth condition by drinking water frequently to keep your mouth moist; sucking on sugar-free hard candies, gum, ice chips, or sugar-free popsicles to help stimulate saliva flow; eat soft and moist foods with least sugar content that are cool or at room temperature; commercial mouth rinses, beverages, alcohol, coffee and smoking are best avoided.

Your dentist or doctor from India dental clinics may check your oral health during dental travel tour to India and recommend drugs like Salagen and Biotene or the use of artificial saliva products that offer much promise in alleviating Xerostomia.