For thousands of Australians who suffer from dry mouth, a glass of water won't relieve parched sensations.

A chronically dry mouth is known as xerostomia, which is caused by a reduced or non-existent flow of saliva. This uncomfortable condition can negatively impact someone's life - side effects include bad breath, and difficulty talking and eating.

While xerostomia is not curable, it's definitely manageable.

The Causes of Dry Mouth:

• Medication can play a part. 'One in three people over 65 are affected because generally they're on more medications,' says Dr Mark Schifter, head of oral medicine at Westmead Hospital in Sydney.
• Bacteria or a viral infection of the salivary glands, Sjogrens syndrome - a relatively uncommon autoimmune rheumatic condition - and saliva duct obstructions, can cause a dry mouth.
• A blocked nose during allergy season and snoring can cause you to breathe through your mouth.
• Alcohol causes dehydration, leading to a dry mouth.
• As we age our salivary glands produce less saliva.
• Stress and anxiety play a role.

Diagnosis:

Symptoms of a dry mouth include a rough, painful burning sensation of the tongue, bad breath, altered taste and a constant need for water. Dry mouth can be diagnosed by your dentist with an examination, or by saliva and blood tests and, occasionally, gland scans.

What's New?

A new electrical saliva stimulator, not yet available in Australia, helps restore natural saliva production by emitting mild pulses of electricity. The currents, that aren't felt by the patient, help stimulate the nerves controlling the release of saliva.

A dentist fits the battery-powered device in a dental crown, or makes a fitted mouthguard embedded with stimulators. Operated with a hand-held remote, the device is initially used for 10 minutes a day, reducing to a minute, four times a day to
help keep saliva flowing. The makers say clinical trials have demonstrated a significant increase in saliva secretion and relief to patients.

While this may sound like great news for sufferers, Professor Hans Zoellner of the oral pathology and oral medicine unit at Westmead Hospital says he isn't entirely convinced it'll work in every case

'I haven't had experience using the electrical stimulator for saliva production, but I suspect it would have limited use as most saliva is normally produced by the major salivary glands, which I can't see being easily 'plumbed in' for electrical stimulation by an intra-oral appliance,' Professor Zoellner says. 'Also, a lot would depend on the cause of dry mouth, which is often due to the destruction of salivary gland tissue, so there would be little improvement expected if the tissue is gone.'

Tips to Manage Dry Mouth:

If you suffer from a severely dry mouth follow Dr Schifter's tips:

• If medication is the cause, an adjustment to the dosage may fix the problem. Often saliva stimulant medication
  will be prescribed if the salivary gland has been damaged by radiotherapy. Saliva substitutes include sprays, gels and lozenges used to replace moisture and lubricate the mouth.
• Sip water regularly and carry a bottle of fluoridated tap water.
• Increae intake of watery foods, such as jellies and pureed fruit, to help keep your mouth moist.
• Brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day to protect your teeth.
• Stop smoking, and avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks and spicy foods, which can increase mouth dryness.
• Stimulate saliva with sugar-free lollies or chewing gum.
• Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.
• Avoid mint lollies as they can aggravate tissue, which can lead to a dry mouth.

For more Dr John D'Arcy check out this week's issue of New Idea - on sale now