XEROSTOMIA

Xerostomia is defined as dry mouth resulting from reduced or absent  production of saliva. Xerostomia is commonly seen as a side effect of  radiation to the head and neck, or a side effect of a wide variety of medications. The most common disease that leads to xerostomia is called  Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in which the body’s immune system fights  with the cells of the saliva producing cells in the mouth. Some common problems associated with xerostomia include a constant sore throat, burning sensation, difficulty speaking and swallowing, hoarseness and/or dry nasal passages. Xerostomia is an original hidden cause of gum disease and tooth loss in three out of every 10 adults.It may also increase the chances of developing  dental caries.This condition is usually associated with dry eyes and other autoimmune disorders.
 There are several self-care preventive steps that can  help ease dry mouth,.  Good oral care at home and regular dental check-ups will help keep the mouth  healthy. Gum massage using the thumb and index fingers of the right hand after brushing the teeth daily twice a day is recommended for better oral hygiene. Healthy yogic diet including plenty of fruits and vegetables which needs to be chewed well before swallowing goes a long way in keeping the healthy blood flow to the gums. Drinking plenty of water, chewing sugarless gum or dry amla fruit are useful.It is very important to avoid non vegetarian food,chewing of tobacco and drinking of alcohol. . In case of drugs causing the dry mouth it may be necessary to discontinue that particular medicine.. But many a times these medicines used will be life saving and dry mouth will be a small side effect one may need to put up with for the life saving advantages of  the drug.
The integrated approach of Yoga therapy for dry mouth is aimed at correcting the total health of the individual, since it is now clearly known that the autoimmunity which is the cause of this condition is related to stress and tension, it is very important even in this condition to change the mind set about the attitude towards life,ambitions and achievements as a part of the therapy. It is not enough to do the asanas and not pay attention to life style .It is important to do a basic set of suryanamaskars, kapalabhati, nadishuddhi, ujjayi, and bharamari followed by meditation with alternate loud and silent chanting of om.