DRY MOUTH & SJOGREN'S SYNDROME

Every day, over a 24 hour period, the average person produces at least 500mL of saliva. In fact a normal person will make 5mL every minute when they are eating or chewing. This is not the case in patients with Dry Mouth Syndrome (Xerostomia) or Sjogren's Syndrome. These people suffer due to the inadequate saliva quality they produce and the inadequate saliva volumes they produce.

What are the Functions of Saliva
Saliva is a natural cleansing agent of teeth and gums. It helps to wash away accumulated food after eating, debris, bacteria and plaque. saliva lubricates the soft tissues of the mouth including gums, tongue, palate, floor of mouth, cheeks and lips, and throat. Saliva enables swallowing by lubricating the throat area.

Saliva also contains certain chemicals and compounds beneficial to us. Saliva contains proteins such as amylase (a digestive enzyme) to start break down of starch in food. saliva contains immunoglobulins which help counteract infections and the stickiness of bacteria adhering to teeth and soft tissue. Saliva contains calcium and phosphate, which help to remineralise teeth making them less susceptible to dental decay. Saliva contains buffering (acid soaking up) systems which neutralise and inhibit the effects of acid produced by oral bacteria or which are included in the diet.

What are the Symptoms of Dry Mouth
Although symptoms are very general in nature, patients tend to report the following symptoms. the lips may become dry sore and cracked, similar to wind burn. the tongue may also become dry and have a burning sensation. Saliva glands situated around the mouth, under the tongue and below the ear, may become swollen and tender.

Small sores or cracks can occur in the corners of the mouth. These are known as Angular Cheilitis. All the soft tissues of the oral cavity may be thinner and therefore more susceptible to damage. Taste sensation can be altered because of inadequate liquid to dissolve tastants in the food so that taste buds can be activated

Sufferers of Dry Mouth Syndrome and Sjogren's Syndrome show more secondary infections, such as yeast infections (thrush) caused by bacteria such as Candida Albicans. This thrush presents clinically as generalised inflammation of the skin surfaces of the mouth and tongue on which there are small superficial whitish patches. These patches may be removed leaving a red area underneath which often bleeds easily. The KFORCE Kit can help to remove thrush and prevent its reoccurence.

Patients report tender burning mouth sensations made worse by hot or spicy foods. Patients that wear dentures find that wearing and fit of the dentures is worse. This is because lack of saliva  means that the dentures do not get an adequate seal. Finally patients present with increased decay levels.

Patients may report  a metallic taste in the mouth and thin frothy saliva. They also may report increased bad breath. The more dry your mouth, the more chance you will have bad breath. It has to do with the amount of oxygen available in your saliva. The bacteria that cause bad breath, thrive in an anaerobic (no oxygen) environment. When your mouth gets dry, your saliva disappears or gets thicker, representing the reduction of Oxygen. When the bacteria senses this difference, they start to produce Volatile sulphur Compounds.