What Causes Dry Mouth?
We all experience dry mouth sometimes, especially if we are dehydrated and/or nervous. In such scenarios, our mouth automatically becomes dry. However, if your mouth is persistently dry, you are probably suffering from some kind of medical condition. Dry mouth is also referred to as Xerostomia, a problem that cannot be ignored. Xerostomia can eventually make it difficult for you to talk, eat, and/or digest food.
Saliva plays a vital role in good oral health. And inadequate saliva production can lead to a dry mouth that can result in several problems, including mouth infections, halitosis, dry lips, and mouth soreness. Dry mouth, in many cases, also causes gum diseases and tooth decay. So, if you keep finding yourself in trouble with a dry mouth, see your dentist to know what must be done to take care of the problem.
Common Causes Of Dry Mouth
When the salivary glands present within our mouth cannot produce saliva adequately, our mouth automatically becomes dry. The function of salivary glands slows down if the body is dehydrated or if it does not have sufficient water needed to produce saliva. This causes the mouth to be dry. The salivary glands typically slow down when a person is extremely anxious and/or nervous.
Medical Conditions And Drugs
Xerostomia or dry mouth is mostly a result of medical conditions or drugs like antidepressants and diuretics. If you are on any kind of medication, do look up their side-effects.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy can result in mucositis or inflammation of salivary glands. This may lead to a dry mouth.
Blocked Nose
You tend to breathe through the mouth when your nose is blocked. Doing this for a long time makes the mouth dry.
If you have been experiencing dry mouth for a while, don’t think twice before seeing a doctor. Discuss all symptoms with him/her. This will help identify the underlying causes and providing the best possible solution.
Treatment For Dry Mouth
Treatment for dry mouth depends on what has been causing the problem. Usually, treatment for dry mouth tends to focus on the following areas:
- Managing underlying conditions that are causing the mouth to be dry
- Preventing tooth decay
- Increasing saliva flow, if that is possible
There may be other reasons as well. For instance, a medicine may be causing it. In that case, your doctor may suggest an alternative or reduce its dose.
What Can You Do To Manage Dry Mouth
If you suffer from dry mouth, here are a few tips that can help you deal with a dry mouth better:
- Keep yourself hydrated. Once you are adequately hydrated, the saliva glands will automatically increase saliva production
- If you are addicted to smoking or caffeine, quit
- Avoid drinks that contain alcohol
- If possible, use saliva stimulants
- Try eating soft and moist food that is at room temperature
- Avoid salty foods, dry foods (for instance, crackers, cookies, dry meats/poultry/fish), and foods or beverages that have high sugar content
- Avoid using mouthwashes or mouth rinses that contain peroxide or alcohol. These ingredients will make your mouth even drier
Concluding Thoughts
If you have had the problem of dry mouth for a long time now, do not delay any more. Consult a specialist who can guide you with a permanent solution.
For more information regarding your dental health, please give Dr. Apsey of Smile Brightly Dental a call today! We are located in Warren, MI and we can be reached at 586-573-7700!