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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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What Causes Severe Dry Mouth?

I had a recent surgery in which low potassium was detected, I have an aluminum taste in my mouth, as well as dry mouth, after the surgery I wasn't instructed to follow-up with my Primary Doctor however, I am also experiencing leg cramping hand cramping as well.
Would you think those are related systems to low potassium?
Fri, 12 Aug 2016
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..

As per your complain severe dry mouth after surgery can be due to side effect of medications that must be given to you post surgery.

Altered taste is due to reduced saliva flow only as the saliva maintains taste buds and in the absence of appropriate quantities of saliva there is alteration in the function of taste buds leading to altered taste..
Bad taste can also be due to side effect of medicine..

Hands and leg cramping or muscle cramps is a symptom of low potassium..

-For dry mouth chew sugarfree chewing gums..
-Drink plenty of water.
-Avoid regular mouthwash and use specialized mouthwash that are formulated for dry mouth patients like Biotene..
-You can also instil artificial saliva drops..
-Suck tart candies as it also stimulates saliva flow..

If does not improve consult an Oral Physician and get evaluated..

For low potassium levels consult a Medicine expert and he can advise you Potassium supplements..

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.

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What Causes Severe Dry Mouth?

Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns.. As per your complain severe dry mouth after surgery can be due to side effect of medications that must be given to you post surgery. Altered taste is due to reduced saliva flow only as the saliva maintains taste buds and in the absence of appropriate quantities of saliva there is alteration in the function of taste buds leading to altered taste.. Bad taste can also be due to side effect of medicine.. Hands and leg cramping or muscle cramps is a symptom of low potassium.. -For dry mouth chew sugarfree chewing gums.. -Drink plenty of water. -Avoid regular mouthwash and use specialized mouthwash that are formulated for dry mouth patients like Biotene.. -You can also instil artificial saliva drops.. -Suck tart candies as it also stimulates saliva flow.. If does not improve consult an Oral Physician and get evaluated.. For low potassium levels consult a Medicine expert and he can advise you Potassium supplements.. Hope this information helps.. Thanks and regards. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.