Everything You Should Know About Dry Mouth Causes and Treatment

What Is Dry Mouth?

It is a condition where the mouth is excessively dry. It is also called Xerostomia. Dry Mouth syndrome occurs when your oral cavity does not have enough saliva to remain moist and hydrated. While it may not look like saliva plays an important role in your oral health, it does.

How to Know You Have Dry Mouth 

The common symptoms of dry mouth syndrome in general dentistry include:

1. A dry, sticky feeling in the mouth
2. Difficulty speaking or swallowing
3. A persistent bad breath
4. A sore throat
5. Dry or grooved tongue
6. Thick and stringy saliva
7. Cracked lips
8. Find it difficult to wear dentures

What Causes Dry Mouth?

Various factors can reduce the amount of saliva your mouth produces. Some of the reasons your mouth can become excessively dry are:

1. Medications – especially for long-term treatments for chronic diseases. Some patients get dry mouths due to substance abuse, especially illegal drugs.
2. Aging – people over 50 years are more likely to have dry mouths than younger ones.
3. Dehydration
4. Excessive sweating
5. Radiation for cancer treatment
6. Problematic salivary glands – can be due to an injury, infection, or a tumor.
7. Autoimmune diseases, like Sjogren’s syndrome or HIV/Aids – make the body attack the glands that produce tears and saliva.
8. Underlying health complications, like diabetes, stroke, hypernatremia, and respiratory problems
9. Snoring – breathing with your mouth open continually leaves your mouth dry. It is common for patients with sleep apnea.
10. Prolonged tobacco and alcohol usage

Why is Dry Mouth a Problem? 

Contrary to popular belief, saliva is very crucial for dental health. Dry mouth syndrome poses many risks to your oral cavity, including the following:

1. Dental decay – cavities form due to bacteria and acids that erode teeth enamels. Reduced saliva heightens acidity in the mouth and increases plaque, which leads to dental decay.
2. Gum disease – reduced saliva promotes a conducive environment for destructive bacteria and plaque buildup, which contribute to gum disease.
3. Reduced functionality – did you know you rely on saliva to eat, swallow, and digest food? Your teeth and tongue alone cannot get the work done without saliva.
4. Thrush – is a yeast infection in the mouth, common among people with dry mouths.

Treatment Options Available for Dry Mouth

Dentists near Arizona Brisas can recommend different treatments based on the underlying cause of the problem. Some of the treatments you can explore in general dentistry for overcoming a dry mouth are:

1. Adjusting your dosage or changing the medication altogether.
2. Fluoride trays and treatments – protect your teeth from developing cavities.
3. Routine cleanings and exams – you must visit us at Agua Fria Dental regularly for checkups and cleanings. While you work to overcome dry mouth, you need a dental expert to monitor your dental features and recommend treatments accordingly.
4. Medication that stimulates saliva – the dentist may prescribe medicine like pilocarpine (Salagen) or cevimeline (Evoxac).
5. Vitamin A supplements boost saliva production.

How to Prevent Dry Mouth

Ideally, your dental health is not the responsibility of your dentist in Youngstown, AZ. Their jurisdiction is to offer treatment and preventive dental measures in the dental clinic. However, you must take an active role in your oral health to achieve excellent oral health. Some tips for preventing a dry mouth are:

1. Drink water – staying hydrated benefits your oral cavity and your overall body. Water is also crucial for improving the quality and quantity of saliva, flushing out toxins to keep the mouth fresh.
2. Quit smoking and taking alcohol.
3. Seek treatment for the underlying conditions – to find ways for managing chronic and terminal diseases.
4. Chew sugar-free gum to help stimulate saliva production.
5. Limit your caffeine intake, including coffee and sodas.
6. Reduce your consumption of sugary foods. If you have a dry mouth, sugars can worsen your oral health, aggravating oral infections.
7. Stay away from the sun during dry, hot weather. Find shaded places to rest to reduce excessive sweating.
8. Keep your mouth clean while avoiding mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as they have a drying effect.