What is Xerostomia? | Xerostomia (Dry Mouth) | Halitosis Forums

Post edited 11:51 am – December 5, 2011 by Dolors

Hello again,

Xerostomia is just the medical term for dry mouth, although sometimes this term is used for more severe cases that have become chronic (due to medication side effects or other causes). 

I also take over the counter antihistamines sometimes, although I tend to avoid them if I can (use nasal irrigation whenever possible). Second generation antihistamines do no dry the mouth and the eyes so much. I use cetirizine, for instance. Yes, simply not drinking enough water combined with the side effects of medication can lead to xerostomia, so having a bottle of water next to you or in your bag can help, so you can take little sips regularly throughout the day.

If you have a bacterial imbalance in your mouth, causing an excess of certain strains of bacteria (the harmful of "bad ones" which cause bad breath), there is a reason for it. We are not cursed with large amounts of harmful bacteria in our mouths for no reason! Even though it may be difficult, it is important that you determine the most likely causes of your bad breath so you can tackle them with the most effective remedies or treatments.

Here is an article I have written about mouthwashes and bad breath. You may find a certain degree of relief with the oxygenating brands, but honestly, I think they are a bit of a waste of time when you suffer from chronic halitosis. Currently, commercial oral rinses are not good enough to target specific types of bacteria, although there is recent research which could lead to a new generation of products that are much more effective to tackle certain types of bad breath.

I hope this helps! :-)

Dolors

We could have a very long debate about mouthwashes, the different types there are and how much they can actually help when it comes to chronic bad breath problems. The bottom line is that bad breath is a symptom and, as such, treating it with a generic mouthwash does not address the underlying causes of the problem. But this applies to any other remedy that is used for the same purpose, be it water with lemon, a rinse made of hydrogen peroxide or one made of natural herbs.

In some studies, coffee has been shown to reduce bad breath, while in others it has been shown to exacerbate it, so in my opinion, if you suffer from chronic bad breath, I would cut down on it, or at least brush your teeth and tongue immediately after having it…