Posted in Category : Common Ailments | March 18, 2010

Acid Reflux and Dry Mouth

Causes and Treatment of Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

As with countless other disorders, dry mouth (Xerostomia) can be the result of various and diverse factors. Reflux, properly termed Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD) is a systemic symptom which is linked to dry mouth. Typical causes of Xerostomia include aging and dehydration, as well as medication. There could be so many other problems that give rise to dry mouth such as autoimmune problems, anxiety and even trauma. While you can treat this problem from the comfort of your own home, it’s best to get to the bottom of the underlying cause. For this reason, you should visit your doctor, especially if your Xerostomia is persistent. It is insufficient saliva which causes this uncomfortable condition. If you don’t try to get rid of this condition early on, you could be left with rotten teeth and other complications. To keep your mouth hydrated and cleansed, water is a great remedy. Even when picking your vegetables, choose ones like celery. To increase the amount of saliva, you could find relief in sucking on certain items like sugarless candy or even fruit pits. While chewing gum might help, remember to again look for sugarless ones. This is because you’re trying to avoid tooth decay, not opt for an answer that will only eventually cause it. Dental care is critical in such situations.

Acid Reflux Causes and Treatment

Reflux or heartburn (also termed acid reflux) can cause a lot more apprehension than dry mouth. It’s alarming to note that, in the case of heartburn, the esophagus can seriously be burned. This is because of the very dangerous stomach acids. The problem here is that some of the stuff that lies in ones stomach literally backs up past the esophageal sphincter. The dangerous bit is that even some stomach acids are a part of this. The result is a burning sensation, which can be maddeningly uncomfortable. To deal with reflux, fat loss can help. In particular, you need to get rid of that abdominal fat because this often presses against your stomach, directly causing acid reflux. Even with your regular meals, overeating and too much drink can actually trigger heartburn. You might want to go very slow on spicy foods. Water helps both in cases of Xerostomia and acid reflux. Apples too are good in both cases. Don’t forget your visit to the dentist, especially if you suffer from both. You might need more visits than the regular person since heartburn can lead to additional tooth problems.

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