Thyroid disorders and dry mouth
Thyroid disease can cause persistent xerostomia (dry mouth). Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs due to absent or reduced saliva flow. Xerostomia isn’t a disease per se, but it is a symptom of a number of medical conditions. . Dry mouth may appear on its own or it may be caused by another autoimmune disease that accompanies thyroid problems. Dry mouth may appear on its own or it may be caused by another autoimmune disease that accompanies thyroid problems. study found that about half of people who are diagnosed with xerostomia have thyroid disease. To compound matters, treatment for thyroid disease can also bring about xerostomia. Dry mouth is not life-threatening, but it, among other things, can make swallowing difficult, cause bad breath, and even lead to complications like cavities and oral infections. Thyroid diseases are accompanied by a wide range of symptoms, and in this article, we’re going to explore whether conditions affecting the thyroid gland could also cause dry mouth.
Causes of dry mouth
Saliva has an important role in our dental health. It limits the growth of bacteria, washes away food particles, and prevents the decay of teeth. Additionally, saliva increases our ability to taste the food we eat, and it also helps us chew and swallow. We tend to think that the process of digestion starts in the stomach, but actually it starts in your mouth due to the fact that saliva contains enzymes which participate in breaking down the food we eat. Xerostomia can range from mild to severe in intensity and affect a person’s quality of life. Causes of xerostomia are numerous, and they include the following:
- Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy
- Dehydration
- Exercising or playing in the heat
- Injury or surgery
- Medications including many over-the-counter medications, hypertensive drugs, muscle relaxants, antidiarrheals, urinary continence drugs, many antidepressants, and Parkinson’s disease drugs
- Older age; while xerostomia isn’t a natural part of aging many older people have dry mouth due to medications they take
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Snoring and sleeping with mouth open
- Some health conditions and illnesses such as anxiety disorders, HIV/AIDS, depression, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, poorly managed diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Sjogren’s syndrome (dry mouth and dry eyes)
How do thyroid disorders cause dry mouth?
Among the many effects of thyroid disease is a diminished production and release of saliva from the salivary glands, which results in a dry mouth.2 Thyroid patients who spit, for example, may not experience full replenishment of their saliva even hours later. This is believed to be related to slowed metabolism associated with a hypothyroid disease. Untreated or partially treated hyperthyroidism can cause dry mouth as well, though the reason is not clear. While dry mouth is usually associated with hypothyroidism, research studies show that it can also occur with a variety of thyroid conditions, including those that cause hyperthyroidism.
Types of thyroid disorders associated with dry mouth.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HF): HF is an autoimmune condition that causes hypothyroidism due to decreased function of the thyroid gland.2
Subacute thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland, caused by granulomatous thyroiditis, HF, inflammation, medications, or an infection, can cause hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Subclinical hypothyroidism: People with early-stage hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism may have mild or unnoticeable effects, including dry mouth.
Grave’s disease: A common type of hyperthyroidism, Grave’s disease causes weight loss, hyperactivity, and insomnia, and well as dry mouth.
Dry mouth can also occur as a result of some of the treatments of thyroid disease.
Radiation therapy: Radiation, which is often used for the treatment of thyroid cancer, can affect the thyroid glands and may damage the salivary glands, diminishing the amount of saliva in the mouth.
Radioiodine therapy: Radioiodine is used for the treatment of thyroid cancer and some types of hyperthyroidism, often resulting in hypothyroidism and decreased salivary gland function.4
Thyroid hormone replacement therapy: Usually, dry mouth can improve with treatment of hypothyroidism. But in some instances, excessive thyroid hormone replacement can also cause dry mouth.
Complications and consequences of dry mouth
Aside from the obvious, effects of dry mouth can include:
- Bad breath
- Impaired ability to chew and swallow food
- Diminished enjoyment of food
- Decreased ability to speak fluently and comfortably
- Chapped, splitting, or cracking lips
- Cavities, gum disease
- Oral infections, mouth sores
While everyone gets a dry mouth now and then, when it lasts for several weeks, it may be a symptom of thyroid disease or another underlying health problem. If you notice that you have had a persistent sensation of dry mouth, you should talk to your doctor.
Remedies
Methods of treatment and control of dry mouth
Besides getting the right treatment for your thyroid disease (one that controls your condition, as well as its side effects), there are some other approaches to easing a dry mouth. Often, using these simple strategies along with your thyroid treatment can help you feel more comfortable and prevent the complications of dry mouth.
- Avoid foods that exacerbate dry mouth, such as salty foods and dry meats.
- Use saliva substitutes, such as SalivaMAX.
- Eat sugar-free saliva stimulants, such as tart gums and candies.
- Drink lots of fluid to keep your mouth moist.
- Put a humidifier in your bedroom.
- Undergo regular preventive dental care (special toothpaste and fluoride applications may be recommended).
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol, carbonated beverages, juices, and caffeine, all of which may dry out the mouth.
References
https://www.mvhealthsystem.org/resource/thyroid-problems-and-oral-health
https://www.thyromate.com/blog/can-thyroid-disease-cause-dry-mouth
https://saliwell.com/dry-mouth-treatment-and-thyroid-disease/
