Patient's question:
My grandmother has been saying recently that she feels very dry in her mouth and her throat is especially dry, with no saliva in her mouth. I wonder if she's just very dehydrated. However, she drinks water all day with a cup in her hands, even into the night, but still feels dry when she lies in bed. The doctor at the hospital said it's xerostomia (dry mouth syndrome). What is xerostomia? Is it serious?Doctor's answer:
Xerostomia (Dry Mouth Syndrome), which is more common in women, generally manifests as dry mouth. When eating dry foods, water is often needed to facilitate consumption. It is recommended to maintain oral hygiene at all times and to wash the face frequently, which can reduce the possibility of dental caries and secondary infections. It is advisable to suck on things like plum seeds or dried figs. Spicy and warm foods should be avoided.