As dentists, we often encounter patients who struggle with dry mouth, a condition medically known as xerostomia. Dry mouth is not only uncomfortable but can also have significant impacts on your oral health. Let’s dive into the causes, consequences, and effective remedies for dry mouth.

What is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands in your mouth do not produce enough saliva, which is crucial for digesting food, protecting teeth from decay, preventing infection by controlling bacteria, and enabling you to chew and swallow comfortably.

Causes of Dry Mouth

There is no exact cause of dry mouth, but there are several factors that may play a role in the development of it. These include:

• Medications including those for high blood pressure, depression, and allergies, list dry mouth as a side effect.
• Aging can cause changes in our body’s ability to process medication, inadequate nutrition, and long-term health conditions can contribute to dry mouth.
• Certain cancer therapies like chemotherapy and radiation can affect the salivary glands, reducing saliva production.
• Nerve damage to the head and neck area can lead to dry mouth.
• Other health conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes are known to affect saliva production.

Symptoms of Dry Mouth

• A feeling of dryness or stickiness in the mouth
• Bad breath
• Difficulty chewing, speaking, and swallowing
• Altered taste or metallic taste in the mouth
• A dry or sore throat
• A higher rate of tooth decay
• Complications of Untreated Dry Mouth
• Increased plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease
• Mouth sores
• Yeast infection in the mouth (thrush)
• Cracked lips
• Poor nutrition from problems with chewing and swallowing

Remedies and Management Strategies

The cause of your dry mouth will help to determine the best treatment options. However, here are a few things that may help you treat dry mouth:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water each day.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can contribute to dehydration.
• Chew sugar-free gum as the chewing stimulates saliva flow. Opt for sugar-free gum or candy to avoid tooth decay.
• Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly.
• Humidify your home. A humidifier can add moisture to the air in your home, helping to relieve dry mouth symptoms.
• Stop using all tobacco products.
• Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks as these can increase the risk of tooth decay.
• Use an over-the-counter saliva substitute.
• Breathe through your nose and avoid breathing through your mouth, as it can dry out your oral tissues.
• Discuss medications with your doctor. If medication is the cause, your doctor may adjust your dosage or switch you to a different drug.
• Saliva-stimulating medicines may be prescribed in severe cases. These may include pilocarpine or cevimeline.

See Your Dentist Today About Your Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is more than just an inconvenience; it can lead to serious dental health issues. If you are experiencing symptoms of dry mouth, it’s important to consult your dentist. Together, we can develop a personalized plan to manage your symptoms and protect your oral health.

Remember, regular dental checkups are crucial in maintaining your overall oral health, especially if you are dealing with chronic conditions like dry mouth.