Ayuvedic Treatment for Xerostomia – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Herbal Supplements

ABSTRACT

Saliva is a vital bodily fluid made by the salivary gland, i.e., the parotid gland, the submandibular gland, and the sublingual gland. In adults, salivary glands make up about 0.5 - 1.5 liters. Saliva helps in various functions like speech, digestion, protects the gums and enamel, strengthens the tooth enamel, washes away the debris, helps in speech, and enhances the taste. Some diseases affect saliva production, such as AIDS, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's disease can make salivary glands inflamed and painful.

INTRODUCTION

In this article, we are going to talk about a disease called Xerostomia, in which salivary glands do not produce enough saliva, also known as Dry Mouth. Saliva flow is decreased by 50-60%. It is more common in women than men, elderly people (more common in people over 65 years of age), and people with certain medical conditions. When affected, there is dryness in the mouth, bad breath, thick saliva, and soreness.

CAUSES

The causes of Xerostomia are

1. SMOKING : Habits like chronic smoking and chewing tobacco lead to dry mouth.
2. MEDICATIONS : A dry mouth is a common side effect of prescribed medications like antihistamines, decongestants, and some muscle relaxants. Old people are more prone to dry mouth.
3. ANXIETY : When the person experiences stress or anxiety, or the body activates fight or flight which suppresses the saliva production by salivary glands resulting in a dry mouth.
4. DEHYDRATION : Conditions that lead to dehydration are high fever, vomiting, excessive sweating, diarrhea, blood loss, and burns can lead to dry mouth.
5. SOME MEDICAL TREATMENTS : Damage to the salivary glands can affect saliva production. It can be done during radiation to the head or neck, or chemotherapy for cancer patients.
6. NERVE DAMAGE : A dry mouth can be the result of nerve damage during the surgery or injury.
7. SALIVARY GLAND PROBLEMS : Surgical removal of salivary glands can lead to a dry mouth.
8. SPICY FOOD : Eating a lot of spicy food also hampers saliva production which may also lead to dry mouth in severe cases.
9. SJOGREN DISEASE : In Sjogren's disease, there is chronic lymphocytic infiltration and inflammation of acinar cells resulting in gland damage which initiates the dry mouth.

SYMPTOMS

Here are the symptoms of Xerostomia

1. Dryness in the mouth for a long time
2. The patient might have bad breath due to less saliva production
3. A dry or grooved tongue can be seen in the patient
4. A burning or tingling sensation in the mouth, especially on the tongue
5. The patient may have problems while chewing, swallowing, and tasting
6. The tongue appears to be dry, red, and raw
7. There is a classical sign of the tongue, the “Cobblestone” appearance of the tongue
8. Frequent thirst

DIAGNOSIS

The clinical examination may include

1. Fissured tongue and lips can be seen.
2. Lack of saliva on the floor of the mouth.
3. A biopsy of the salivary glands can be done.
4. Sialography, which is 3D imaging of the salivary glands, can also be done to check for any mass or stone in the salivary gland.
5. Sialometry in which saliva flow rate is checked and which should be around 1.5–2.0 ml/min, but if it is around 0.5–0.7 ml/min or less than 0.1 ml/min, then it can be hyposalivation leading to xerostomia.

TREATMENT

Managing xerostomia involves a combination of oral hygiene practices, hydration, and medical treatments to restore moisture

1. The patient can stay properly hydrated by drinking lots of water.
2. By avoiding certain foods and drinks that cause dry mouth.
3. The patient can be suggested to use a saliva substitute such as carboxymethylcellulose, xylitol, or hydroxyethylcellulose.
4. The patients can be recommended to use fluoridated kinds of toothpaste and gels.
5. Avoid breathing through the mouth.
6. Avoid alcohol or tobacco consumption.

COMPLICATIONS

There can be complications when xerostomia is not managed on time

1. Candidiasis
2. Dental Caries
3. Angular Cheilitis
4. Sialadenitis
5. Dysphagia
6. Mouth Ulcerations
7. Gum Disease

HOME REMEDIES FOR XEROSTOMIA

Here are some home remedies for Xerostomia

1. Cardamom

It should be eaten after meals or at other times. It not only keeps away bad breath but also helps in saliva production. Another thing is that you can also drink cardamom tea or cardamom-infused water which has the properties to stimulate saliva production. This can provide relief from the discomfort of dry mouth.

2. Ginger

Ginger is a natural sialagogue, it can stimulate the salivary gland to produce more saliva. Some ways to use ginger for a dry mouth like chewing on raw ginger, ginger tea, and ginger spray. It shouldn't be used in excess as it produces heat in the body.

3. Aloe Vera

It is rich in antioxidants and a natural hydrating substance. It not only works on the dry mouth but also protects the tissue of the mouth. The patient can drink a quarter cup of half aloe vera juice once every day. Do not swallow the pulp just rinse it after keeping it in the mouth for a few minutes.

4. Hydration

Water has health benefits. Drinking water not only hydrates oral tissues but also lips, throat, and gums.

5. Lemon

Lemon has citric acid in it, which helps in the production of saliva by the salivary glands. This can provide relief from the discomfort of dry mouth. Here are some ways to use lemon for dry mouth. You can cut the lemon into two halves and suck it 1–3 times a day or drink the lemon tea or lemon water. Don’t use lemon in excess, as it has citric acid and can erode the tooth.

6. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds have metabolites and flavonoids that stimulate saliva production and control bad breath. You can chew the fennel seeds after a meal.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR XEROSTOMIA BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is a company that has GMP CERTIFIED, HACCP CERTIFIED, HALAL CERTIFIED, ISO CERTIFIED, and many more certifications. They make products not only for humans but for pets as well under the supervision of MD Practitioners. They make products that are 100% natural and have no side effects. These products do not contain any kind of synthetic materials or preservatives. These products help in managing various health problems.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. GUM CARE POWDER

This powder contains natural herbs like Sonthi ( Zingiber Officinale), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), Mustak (Cyperus rotundus), Pong (Areca Catechu), and many other herbs. Its herbal ingredients, like Neem, Clove, and Peelu, possess antibacterial and soothing properties, which can help maintain oral hygiene, reduce irritation, and stimulate salivation.

Method of Application : This powder is gently massaged on teeth and gums with 3-6 grams.

2. ACIDO PLAN SYRUP

This syrup contains herbs like Patola (Trichosanthes Dioica), Saunf (Foeniculum Vulgare), Triphala (Terminalia Chebula), Kokum (Garcinia Indica), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Ghrit Kumari (Aloe Barbadensis), and Sajjikshar (Soda-Bi-Carb). Ingredients like Saunf (fennel), Ajwain, and Lemon if(Nimbu Satva) may stimulate salivary glands mildly, which may indirectly help manage dryness in the mouth.

Dosage : Take 1-2 teaspoons of syrup twice a day daily.

3. NEURO PLAN SYRUP

This syrup contains herbs like Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri), Mandukaparni (Centella Asiatica), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis), Sonth (Zingiber Officinale), Maricha (Piper Nigrum), Pippali (Piper Logum), and Bhojpatra (Betula utilis), and so on. Its mild cooling and moisturizing effects soothe oral dryness naturally and help increase salivary secretion

Dosage : Take 1-2 teaspoons of syrup twice a day daily.

4. CHITRAKADI VATI

It contains herbs like Piper Nigrum, Piper Longum, Piper Longum Root, Zingiber Officinale, Piper Chaba, and Ferula Asafoetida processed in pomegranate juice. Chitrakadi Vati helps in activating salivary gland secretions and improving overall fluid metabolism, thereby supporting natural moisture in the oral cavity.

Dosage : Take 1-2 tablets twice or thrice a day, daily with lukewarm water.

CONCLUSION

Everything considered, as a whole, Xerostomia or dry mouth can be seen in older people and is more commonly seen in women. It can be caused due to dehydration, anxiety, certain medications, smoking, nerve damage, or a patient undergoing radiation therapy. Its complications can vary from patient to patient and cause. At home, different remedies can be done, like chewing cardamom, ginger, or lemon, and so on. Clinically, it can be diagnosed by visual examination, sialography, and sialometry. At Planet Ayurveda, Xerostomia can be managed by using herbal remedies like Gum Care Powder, Acido Plan Syrup, Neuro Plan Syrup, and Chitrakadi Vati. For details, you can visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com