Our body is intricate, so even minor oral discomfort is closely connected to the complex systems of the entire body. Xerostomia does not occur simply due to a lack of saliva. Saliva serves diverse roles, aiding food digestion, protecting teeth, and maintaining bacterial balance in the oral cavity. Saliva secretion is primarily governed by the parasympathetic nervous system. However, when the sympathetic nervous system is excessively stimulated by stress or tension, parasympathetic nervous system activity is suppressed, reducing saliva secretion and leading to dry mouth. What Donguibogam terms stomach heat can be understood in modern medicine within the context of autonomic nervous system imbalance or chronic stress states.
Other causes that induce xerostomia include certain medications such as antihistamines and antidepressants, autoimmune diseases such as SjΓΆgren syndrome, systemic diseases like diabetes and hyperthyroidism, and radiotherapy. Thus, xerostomia is not just a localized issue but can be an important indicator reflecting the health status of the entire body.
Next, halitosis has deeper causes beyond simply neglecting tooth brushing. Poor oral hygiene, dental caries, gum disease, and tonsilloliths are major causes, but when the mouth becomes dry, the self-cleansing action of saliva weakens, creating a favorable environment for anaerobic bacteria in the oral cavity to proliferate. As these bacteria break down protein, they produce volatile sulfur compounds, which are the main culprits behind unpleasant halitosis.
Furthermore, halitosis is deeply related to issues outside the oral cavity, namely gastrointestinal tract problems. Halitosis can occur when gastric acid refluxes due to gastroesophageal reflux disease or when gastritis is present from Helicobacter pylori infection. Systemic diseases such as hepatic hypofunction, renal disease, and uncontrolled diabetes can also trigger distinct halitosis. For example, patients with diabetes may present with an acetone smell, and patients with renal failure may present with an ammonia smell. Because halitosis can be an abnormal signal from inside our body, identifying and addressing its cause rather than dismissing it as simple bad breath is crucial.
We can see that xerostomia, halitosis, and thirst, explained through stomach heat in Donguibogam, are complex symptoms that can be interpreted in modern medicine through diverse perspectives such as autonomic nervous system imbalance, inflammatory responses, gastrointestinal tract dysfunction, and systemic diseases. All of these are ultimately signals that appear when the body's homeostasis is disrupted. Efforts to resolve fundamental bodily imbalances are needed rather than merely suppressing symptoms.
