Suffer From Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)? Acupuncture Can Help

Got dry mouth? You’re not alone. In the U.S., dry mouth, or xerostomia, is one of the most common complaints among older adults, affecting about 20 percent of the elderly. Some estimates report that xerostomia affects as many as 40% of adults over the age of 50.

While xerostomia is not a disease, it is usually a symptom of another medical condition. Xerostomia occurs as a result of chemotherapy or other cancer-related treatments such as radiation therapy. In fact, it’s the most commonly reported side effect of standard radiation therapy to the head and neck.

What is Xerostomia?

When we salivate normally, a receptor in our mouths called muscarinic M3 is doing its job right. Our mouths produce more saliva when the receptor is stimulated. When it’s not stimulated, our saliva production can be lowered to a point where we feel like our mouths are dry. This can be caused by a number of factors, including chemotherapy, dehydration, psychogenic stress, and other medical conditions.

What are side effects of Xerostomia?

Dry mouth isn’t just uncomfortable. It can also contribute to both minor and major health problems. Saliva is crucial to proper digestion and a lack of it can lead to insufficient nutrition and deteriorating dental health. Sore throat, a burning sensation, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and dry nasal passages are also commonly reported. It left untreated, it can even lead to gum disease.

Common treatments for xerostomia include “saliva substitutes” like manual stimulation of the salivary glands with lozenges and chewing gum. Unfortunately, both options are remedial at best and their effects are often short-lived.

How can acupuncture help?

You may not think that acupuncture could help with a mouth condition, but nothing could be further from the truth. Acupuncture is actually extensively documented in clinical trials as an effective treatment for xerostomia, although its function is not yet entirely understood.

Researchers believe that needle stimulation may lead to the release of neuropeptides that signal a variety of bodily functions, including saliva production. In one study with over 70 cancer patients, acupuncture was shown to significantly improve saliva production for as long as six months! I’ll go over the results of that study next week, and have another one lined up for the week after that. Stay tuned.

If you are suffering or know anyone who is suffering from dry mouth, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.