HealthyLife Articles

Tag: saliva

  • Dry Mouth

    Dental & Mouth Concerns

    Dry mouth is an abnormal dryness of the mucus membranes in the mouth. This happens when there isn’t enough saliva or the composition of the saliva changes. Dry mouth is common in the elderly.

    Signs & Symptoms

    *  Dry, parched feeling in the mouth

    *  Lack of saliva

    *  Problems with talking and/or swallowing

    *  Lessened taste

    *  Bad breath

    *  Burning sensation in the mouth

    *  Dry mouth is worse after sleeping

    Causes, Risk Factors & Care

    Dry mouth can be due to a side effect of many medications. These include antidepressants, antihistamines, water pills, and medicines for high blood pressure.

    Dry mouth can also result from many health conditions. These include nasal congestion, gum disease, diabetes, stroke, and Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder.

    Treatment is aimed at relief and/or treating the underlying cause. If not treated, dry mouth may lead to severe tooth decay, infection, and poor nutrition.

    Self-Care

    *  Try an over-the-counter artificial saliva, such as Xerolube.

    *  Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

    *  Have regular dental checkups.

    *  Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Avoid drinks with sugar.

    *  Avoid salty, spicy, or acidic foods.

    *  Don’t use tobacco products.

    *  Take a multivitamin that your doc- tor recommends.

    *  Use a humidifier in the bedroom.

    *  Keep your lips moist with lip balm.

    *  Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.

    *  Do not use mouthwashes with alcohol.

    *  Read about the side effects of medicines.

    Medical Care

    Contact Doctor When:

    *  The dry mouth is a chronic problem or there are marked changes on the tongue.

    *  You have any of these problems with dry mouth:

    – Dry, burning eyes

    – Chewing or swallowing problems

    – Sore throat

    – Signs of an infection, such as fever and/or redness, or pus in the mouth

    Health at Home Lifetime book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Enhance Your Sense Of Taste

    Mature Health: Over Age 50

    Image of fresh foods and herbs, such as potatos, tomatoes, onions, etc.

    Adding a lot of salt to foods, eating more sweets, and finding meals less enjoyable are signs that your sense of taste is fading. As you age, you may lose up to 50 percent of your taste buds. But you don’t have to resign yourself to a diet that tastes dull and bland. You can take the following steps to perk up your sense of taste.

    *  Eat fresh foods instead of canned or processed items. Fresh-cooked foods are more flavorful and have more texture, which adds to the enjoyment of food.

    *  Pep up your vegetables with flavor enhancers like savory herbs, lemon juice, slivered almonds, and sliced onions instead of extra salt.

    *  Marinate meats and fish in salad dressings or fruit juices before cooking.

    *  Include tart foods and beverages like salt-free pickles, oranges, and lemonade in your meals.

    *  Think visually. Colorful foods, garnishes, and an attractive table setting make meals more appetizing.

    *  Bring chilled foods to room temperature before serving. Flavors are more pronounced when food is warm.

    A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine