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Dry mouth facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, also dry mouth syndrome, is dryness in the mouth. It may be associated with a change in the composition of saliva, reduced salivary flow (also hyposalivation), or dehydration. Causes of hyposalivation include dental caries, oral candidiasis, damage to salivary glands, or certain other causes. Certan Drugs or medications may also cause dry mouth as a side effect.

Minor cases of dry mouth can be treated at home by hydration, re-balancing the minerals in the body, and avoiding acidic foods. More severe cases may need to be looked at by a doctor.

Images for kids

  • Oral Neutralization Curve in Normal Conditions and in Xerostomia

    Diagram depicting mouth acidity changes after consuming food high in carbohydrates. Within 5 minutes the acidity in the mouth increases as the pH drops. In persons with normal salivary flow rate, acid will be neutralized in about 20 minutes. People with dry mouth often will take twice as long to neutralize mouth acid, leaving them at higher risk of tooth decay and acid erosion

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Xerostomía para niños

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