Ｑ 81：My mouth gets dry just from breathing. Is this an illness?
Ａ 81：If you only breathe through your mouth then it can become dry. This is because the flow of air being breathed takes away moisture from the mouth. If your mouth dries even when you mainly breathe through your nose, then it could possibly be due to dry mouth and so consulting a physician is recommended. 

Ｑ 82：Is there a relationship between teeth brushing and drying of the mouth?
Ａ 82：There is no particular relationship between teeth brushing and drying of the mouth. However, people with dry mouth experience more tooth decay and periodontal disease, therefore regular brushing is important.

Ｑ 83：Will gargling improve dry mouth conditions?
Ａ 83：Gargling temporarily moistens the mouth. However it does not enhance saliva flow, therefore gargling alone will do little to improve dry mouth.

Ｑ 84：I am undergoing dialysis and my mouth is dry. Is there any treatment? 
Ａ 84：As dialysis patients have kidney problems, dry mouth can occur due to bad lcium metabolism. Dialysis patients cannot greatly increase their fluid intake therefore using a moisturizing gel and gargling is recommended.

Ｑ 85：After bone marrow transplant my mouth has become even drier. Is this a disease?
Ａ 85：The donor's bone marrow cells can attack the saliva producing cells causing dry mouth and dry eye. Rather than being a disease, it is more of a mild side effect from the bone marrow transplant. Thorough consultation with the transplant specialist is recommended.

Ｑ 86：I am being treated for scleroderma. Is this related to dry mouth?
Ａ 86：Treatment for scleroderma and dry mouth are not directly related. However it is said that many scleroderma patients also suffer from Sjogren's syndrome which causes dry mouth and dry eye.

Ｑ 87：Can I eat spicy food even if my mouth feels dry?
Ａ 87：Eating spicy foods can make you thirsty, however dry mouth symptoms from this seldom continue for long, therefore it should be all right if eaten in moderation.

Ｑ 88：What type of food is best for dry mouth?
Ａ 88：With dry mouth there is less saliva and so bacteria increases in the mouth, more tooth decay occurs and the tongue may crack. Therefore it is best not to eat too many sweets or candy which have sugar in them. Also, please brush your teeth well after eating such sweets.

Ｑ 89：If I don't take my present medication, I'm not thirsty. Should I stop taking it?
Ａ 89：Dry mouth can occur as a side effect of a number of medications such as those for psychiatric conditions, high blood pressure and colds. Please consult your physician.

Ｑ 90：Since having radiation therapy, my mouth is dry. Is there any treatment for this?
Ａ 90：Radiation therapy can affect the cells which produce saliva, causing less saliva. In that case taking medication to increase the flow of saliva is an option.

Ｑ 91：Are lemons effective for dry mouth?
Ａ 91：Stimulus from the sourness of lemons can increase the flow of saliva and help dry mouth.

Ｑ 92：My dentures don't adhere well to my gums. Is this dry mouth?
Ａ 92：When dentures don't adhere well to the gums, there is a possibility of a decrease in saliva. A salivary secretion test is necessary.

Ｑ 93：What is a muscarinic receptor?
Ａ 93：Gastrointestinal and saliva secretion, tears and sweat are all controlled by the autonomic nerve. In order for the nerves to work, a signal has to be sent and a place to receive the signal is also necessary. The muscarinic receptor is the name of the place which receives the signal.

Ｑ 94：What is the autonomic nerve?
Ａ 94：Gastrointestinal and saliva secretion, tears and sweat are all controlled by the autonomic nerve. Different to the motor nerve, this nerve is called the autonomic nerve.

Ｑ 95：What is the parasympathetic nerve?
Ａ 95：Gastrointestinal and saliva secretion, tears and sweat are all controlled by the autonomic nerve. Different to the motor nerve, this nerve is called the autonomic nerve. The autonomic nerve has a stimulation function and a suppression function. The nerve which stimulates saliva secretion and gastrointestinal functions is called the parasympathetic nerve.

Ｑ 96：Is there a relation between not being able to eat much and dry mouth?
Ａ 96：When the mouth is dry, constant fluid intake is necessary while eating and this can cause a feeling of fullness. Also in Sjogren's syndrome the stomach can shrink. It is important to undergo a medical examination to find out the cause of dry mouth.

Ｑ 97：Why is a tear test necessary for dry mouth?
Ａ 97：There are various causes of dry mouth. If dry mouth exists without factors such as underlying diseases, medication or age, then it could be due to mental factors or the disease, Sjogren's syndrome. In Sjogren's syndrome, dry eye often occurs also therefore it is necessary to do an eye test.

Ｑ 98：Is there a relation between mouth ulcers (stomatitis) and dry mouth?
Ａ 98：Mouth ulcers occur more frequently with dry mouth.

Ｑ 99：Is Sjogren's syndrome hereditary?
Ａ 99：The possibility of Sjogren's syndrome being hereditary is thought to be unlikely.

Ｑ 100：Is Sjogren's syndrome contagious?
Ａ 100：Sjogren's syndrome is not contagious.