Mouth, dry Health Dictionary

Mouth, Dry: From 1 Different Sources


The result of inadequate production of saliva. Dry mouth is usually a temporary condition caused by fear, infection of a salivary gland, or the action of anticholinergic drugs.

Rarely, permanent dry mouth may occur as part of Sjögren’s syndrome or from radiotherapy to treat mouth cancer.

Dryness usually causes difficulty in swallowing and speaking, interference with taste, and tooth decay (see caries, dental).

It may be relieved by spraying the inside of the mouth with artificial saliva.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association

Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease

A contagious disease due to infection with coxsackie A16 virus (see COXSACKIE VIRUSES). Most common in children, the incubation period is 3–5 days. It is characterised by an eruption of blisters on the palms and the feet (often the toes), and in the mouth. The disease

has no connection with foot and mouth disease in cattle, deer, pigs and sheep.... hand, foot and mouth disease

Freeze Drying

A technique for ?xating specimens of tissue, involving a minimum of chemical and physical alteration. The histological specimen is immersed in a chemical, isopentane, which has been cooled in liquid air to a temperature just below 200 °C. This preserves the tissue instantly without large ice crystals forming – these would result in structural damage. The specimen is then dehydrated in a vacuum for three days, after which it can be examined using a MICROSCOPE.... freeze drying

Mouth-to-mouth Resuscitation

See artificial respiration.... mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

Drynaria Quercifolia

(Linn.) J. Smith.

Synonym: Polypodium quercifolium

Family: Polypodiaceae.

Habitat: Throughout India, in plains and low mountains.

Ayurvedic: Ashvakatri (non- classical).

Folk: Baandar-Baashing (Maharashtra).

Action: Pectoral, expectorant. anthelmintic. Used in the treatment of chest diseases, cough, hectic fever, dyspepsia, loss of appetite, chronic jaundice and cutaneous affections. Pounded fonds are used as poultice for swellings. Peeled rhizome with sugar is prescribed for urinary disorders and in spermatorrhoea.

Aqueous extracts possess antibacterial properties.... drynaria quercifolia

Dryobalanops Camphora

Colebr.

Synonym: D. aromatica Gaertn. f.

Family: Dipterocarpaceae.

Habitat: From Borneo to Sumatra islands.

English: Borneo or Barus Camphor. Ayurvedic: Bhimseni Kapoor. Folk: Baraas Kapoor.

Action: See Cinnamomum camphora.... dryobalanops camphora

Dryope

(Greek) In mythology, a woman who was turned into a black poplar tree Driope... dryope

Dryopteris Dentata

(Forsk.) C. Chr.

Synonym: Cyclosorus dentatus.

Family: Polypodiaceae.

Habitat: Throughout India in the plains, also on the hills.

Action: Aqueous extracts— antibacterial against Staphylococcus aureus.... dryopteris dentata

Dryopteris Filix-mas

(Linn.) Schoutt

Synonym: Aspidium filix-mas Linn.

Family: Polypodiaceae.

Habitat: Temperate regions of America, Europe, Asia, near damp and shady terrains.

English: Male Fern, Aspidium.

Unani: Sarakhs, Sarakhs Muzakkar.

Siddha/Tamil: Iruvi.

Action: Taenifuge, vermifuge (normally used in conjunction with a saline purgative, not used with castor oil.) Also, deobstruent, abor- tifacient.Externally for rheumatism, sciatica and neuralgia. No more in use as an anthelmintic as better alternatives are available.

Rhizomes and fonds contain filicin (2%), a mixture of dimeric, trimer- ic and tetrameric butanone chloroglu- cosides, that kills tapeworms. Excessive dose of filicin may cause intestinal cramps and blindness, also liver damage.

Related Himalayan species include: D. odontoloma (Kashmir valley), D. marginata, D. barbigera (Kashmir to Sikkim), D. schimperiana (Mussoorie) and D. blanfordii (Chattri, Cham- ba).The ferns gave filicin 2.3, 2.1, 2.1, 4.4 and 3.5%, respectively.... dryopteris filix-mas

Drypetes Roxburghii

(Wall.) Hurusawa.

Synonym: Putranjiva roxburghii Wall.

Family: Euphorbiaceae.

Habitat: Wild and cultivated throughout tropical India.

Ayurvedic: Putrajivaka, Sutajva, Putrakamanjari.

Siddha/Tamil: Karupali, Irukolli.

Action: Leaves, fruits and stones of fruits are given in colds and fevers, also in rheumatic affections. Rosaries, made ofhard stones of the fruit, are placed around the necks of children to protect them from diseases.

The seed kernel yield 0.5% of a sharp- smelling essential oil of the mustard oil type. The oil contains isopropyl and 2-butyl isothiocyanates as the main constituents and 2-methyl-butyl isoth- iocyanate as minor component. Anad- ditional glucoside, glucocleomin, has been found in the seed kernels. A glu- cosidic pattern similar to that in the seeds is reported in the shoots and roots. The fruit pulp contains a large proportion of mannitol and small quantities of a saponin glucoside and alkaloid.

The alkaloid is also present in a small quantity in the stones of the fruit.

Dosage: Seed, leaf, bark—3-6 g powder. (CCRAS.)... drypetes roxburghii

Mouth-to-mouth Respiration

See APPENDIX 1: BASIC FIRST AID.... mouth-to-mouth respiration

Mouth Infections

See: STOMATITIS, CANCRUM ORIS, CANKER, ULCERATION. ... mouth infections

Mouth

The oral cavity, which breaks food down for swallowing (see mastication) and is used in breathing. In addition, it helps to convert sound vibrations from the larynx into speech.... mouth

Mouth, Diseases Of

The mucous membrane of the mouth can indicate the health of the individual and internal organs. For example, pallor or pigmentation may indicate ANAEMIA, JAUNDICE or ADDISON’S DISEASE.

Thrush is characterised by the presence of white patches on the mucous membrane which bleeds if the patch is gently removed. It is caused by the growth of a parasitic mould known as Candida albicans. Antifungal agents usually suppress the growth of candida. Candidal in?ltration of the mucosa is often found in cancerous lesions.

Leukoplakia literally means a white patch. In the mouth it is often due to an area of thickened cells from the horny layer of the epithelium. It appears as a white patch of varying density and is often grooved by dense ?ssures. There are many causes, most of them of minor importance. It may be associated with smoking, SYPHILIS, chronic SEPSIS or trauma from a sharp tooth. Cancer must be excluded.

Stomatitis (in?ammation of the mouth) arises from the same causes as in?ammation elsewhere, but among the main causes are the cutting of teeth in children, sharp or broken teeth, excess alcohol, tobacco smoking and general ill-health. The mucous membrane becomes red, swollen and tender and ulcers may appear. Treatment consists mainly of preventing secondary infection supervening before the stomatitis has resolved. Antiseptic mouthwashes are usually su?cient.

Gingivitis (see TEETH, DISEASES OF) is in?ammation of the gum where it touches the tooth. It is caused by poor oral hygiene and is often associated with the production of calculus or tartar on the teeth. If it is neglected it will proceed to periodontal disease.

Ulcers of the mouth These are usually small and arise from a variety of causes. Aphthous ulcers are the most common; they last about ten days and usually heal without scarring. They may be associated with STRESS or DYSPEPSIA. There is no ideal treatment.

Herpetic ulcers (see HERPES SIMPLEX) are similar but usually there are many ulcers and the patient appears feverish and unwell. This condition is more common in children.

Calculus (a) Salivary: a calculus (stone) may develop in one of the major salivary-gland ducts. This may result in a blockage which will cause the gland to swell and be painful. It usually swells before a meal and then slowly subsides. The stone may be passed but often has to be removed in a minor operation. If the gland behind the calculus becomes infected, then an ABSCESS forms and, if this persists, the removal of the gland may be indicated. (b) Dental, also called TARTAR: this is a calci?ed material which adheres to the teeth; it often starts as the soft debris found on teeth which have not been well cleaned and is called plaque. If not removed, it will gradually destroy the periodontal membrane and result in the loss of the tooth. (See TEETH, DISORDERS OF.)

Ranula This is a cyst-like swelling found in the ?oor of the mouth. It is often caused by mild trauma to the salivary glands with the result that saliva collects in the cyst instead of discharging into the mouth. Surgery may be required.

Mumps is an acute infective disorder of the major salivary glands. It causes painful enlargement of the glands which lasts for about two weeks. (See also main entry for MUMPS.)

Tumours may occur in all parts of the mouth, and may be BENIGN or MALIGNANT. Benign tumours are common and may follow mild trauma or be an exaggerated response to irritation. Polyps are found in the cheeks and on the tongue and become a nuisance as they may be bitten frequently. They are easily excised.

A MUCOCOELE is found mainly in the lower lip.

An exostosis or bone outgrowth is often found in the mid line of the palate and on the inside of the mandible (bone of the lower jaw). This only requires removal if it becomes unduly large or pointed and easily ulcerated.

Malignant tumours within the mouth are often large before they are noticed, whereas those on the lips are usually seen early and are more easily treated. The cancer may arise from any of the tissues found in the mouth including epithelium, bone, salivary tissue and tooth-forming tissue remnants. Oral cancers represent about 5 per cent of all reported malignancies, and in England and Wales around 3,300 people are diagnosed annually as having cancer of the mouth and PHARYNX.

Cancer of the mouth is less common below the age of 40 years and is more common in men. It is often associated with chronic irritation from a broken tooth or ill-?tting denture. It is also more common in those who smoke and those who chew betel leaves. Leukoplakia (see above) may be a precursor of cancer. Spread of the cancer is by way of the lymph nodes in the neck. Early treatment by surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy will often be e?ective, except for the posterior of the tongue where the prognosis is very poor. Although surgery may be extensive and potentially mutilating, recent advances in repairing defects and grafting tissues from elsewhere have made treatment more acceptable to the patient.... mouth, diseases of

Mouth Ulcer

An open sore caused by a break in the mucous membrane lining the mouth. The ulcers are white, grey, or yellow spots with an inflamed border. The most common types are aphthous ulcers (see ulcer, aphthous) and ulcers caused by the herpes simplex virus. A mouth ulcer may be an early stage of mouth cancer and may need to be investigated with a biopsy if it fails to heal within a month.... mouth ulcer

Trench Mouth

See gingivitis, acute ulcerative.... trench mouth

Cancer – Mouth And Lips

Epithelioma.

Causes: occupational hazards, contact with toxic metals and minerals.

A Health Department’s committee found an increased risk of developing mouth cancer from “snuff- dipping”, the practice of sucking tobacco from a small sachet, “tobacco teabags”.

Of possible value:– Fresh plant juices, Houseleek, Aloe Vera.

Teas: Chickweed, Mullein, Comfrey. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes; dose – 1 cup thrice daily, increasing to as much as well tolerated.

Condurango Liquid extract. 10-30 drops in water before meals.

Goldenseal Liquid extract. 3-5 drops in water before meals.

George Burford MD. Condurango and Goldenseal.

E.H. Ruddock MD 1925. “Several cases of cancer of the lips have been cured by Goldenseal.”

Topical. Wipe area with Liquid Extract Condurango, Goldenseal, Thuja, Poke root or fresh plant juices of above. Slippery Elm paste: powdered Slippery Elm in few drops milk or water.

Mouthwash. Equal parts: Liquid Extract Goldenseal, Liquid Extract Bayberry, Tincture Myrrh and Glycerine. Some may be swallowed as internal medicine. Comfrey, Mullein or Chickweed cream.

Diet. See: DIET – CANCER.

Treatment by a general medical practitioner or hospital oncologist. ... cancer – mouth and lips

Drying Herbs

Herbs should be harvested from unsprayed dust-free zones and spread out on racks or suitable fittings. Smaller batches may be hung in bunches. Rotting may set in if fresh herbs are left compressed in bags, baskets, etc. Never wash herbs before drying or place one above another. Turn or agitate daily. They should be dried in a well-ventilated room in the absence of excessive heat, sunlight or bright lights which may destroy the volatile oils of aromatic herbs. They should not be cut until thoroughly dried.

Only roots should be washed soon after lifting, and cut before drying into hardness. In a few cases drying of roots may be assisted by added heat. ... drying herbs

Mouth Cancer

Forms of cancerous tumour that affect the lips, tongue, and oral cavity. Lip cancer and tongue cancer are the most common types.

Predisposing causes of mouth cancer are poor oral hygiene, drinking alcoholic spirits, tobacco-smoking, chewing tobacco, and inhaling snuff. Irritation from ill-fitting dentures or jagged teeth are other factors. Men are affected twice as often as women; most cases occur in men over the age of 40.

Mouth cancer usually begins with a whitish patch, called leukoplakia, or a small lump. These may cause a burning sensation, but are usually painless. As the tumour grows, it may develop into an ulcer or a deep fissure, which may bleed and erode surrounding tissue.

Diagnosis is based on a biopsy. Treatment consists of surgery, radiotherapy, or both. Extensive surgery may cause facial disfigurement and problems with eating and speaking, which may require reconstructive surgery. Radiotherapy sometimes damages the salivary glands (see mouth, dry).

When mouth cancer is detected and treated early, the outlook is good.... mouth cancer

Dry Mouth

a condition that occurs as a result of reduced salivary flow from a variety of causes, including therapeutic agents, *Sjögren’s syndrome, connective?tissue diseases, diabetes, excision or absence of a major salivary gland, or radiotherapy to the head and neck that destroys the salivary glands. It causes swallowing and speech difficulties, inflamed gums, an increased incidence of dental caries, and loss of denture stability in people who have lost their teeth. Patients with their own teeth should be given strict dietary advice, chlorhexidine or fluoride mouthwashes, and sugar-free nonacidic saliva substitutes; they require special monitoring by their dentist. Medical name: xerostomia.... dry mouth



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