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Facts and Tips You Need to Know About Dry Mouth

facts and tips you need to know about dry mouth

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, refers to a situation where the mouth is not capable of producing sufficient saliva. Saliva is one of the essential factors necessary for people because it assists in their mucosal function, chewing, and swallowing, besides helping them speak. It also assists in keeping the teeth and gums clean. A dry mouth can be uncomfortable and can contribute to tooth problems and illnesses if not treated. Here we shall provide some facts that are essential to know regarding dry mouth, as well as the measures recommended by a dentist near you that can assist you in dealing with this issue.

Causes of Dry Mouth

There are several causes of dry mouth that can lead to the condition in a person. Here are some common causes of dry mouth, including:

  • Medications: Some drugs commonly used to treat ailments such as allergies, high blood pressure, and depression affect saliva production.
  • Aging: Old age is another risk factor for dry mouth due to the weakening of salivary glands, which cannot secrete enough saliva.
  • Radiation therapy: Radiotherapy cancer patients, particularly those undergoing head and neck radiation therapy, are likely to have dry mouth.
  • Health conditions: Certain health issues, such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, AIDS, and more, could affect the production of saliva.
  • Dehydration: Inadequate intake of water leads to dehydration and causes dryness of the mouth.

Symptoms of Dryness of the Mouth

If you have dry mouth, you may notice some of the following symptoms of dry mouth:

  • A dry, sticky feeling: Your mouth may feel as though it contains cotton wool.
  • Bad breath: If one produces little saliva, bacteria in your mouth reproduce, leading to bad breath.
  • Discomfort while chewing, swallowing, or talking: These activities are not easy when you have a dry mouth because saliva assists with all these activities.
  • Sore throat: Dryness of the throat area can cause soreness or scratchiness of the throat.
  • Dry or cracked lips: Affected individuals may have large amounts of dry surfaces on their lips, which may become irritated or flaky.
  • Changes in taste: Food might not taste as flavorful when you have a dry mouth.

Why is Saliva Important?

Saliva is a vital component in maintaining the health of your mouth. It performs various crucial roles, such as the following:

  • Removing food waste and bacteria: Saliva removes food waste and bacteria from teeth and gums, making them less prone to cavities.
  • Breaking down food: When you chew, saliva is produced, which initiates the process of breaking down food.
  • Protect the teeth: Saliva contains important minerals, including calcium and phosphate, which help harden the enamel and prevent decay.
  • Balancing acids: The consumption of food and beverages creates acids in the mouth, and saliva helps to balance the acids, thus protecting the teeth from the acids.

Tips to Manage and Prevent Dry Mouth

If you experience dry mouth, here are some helpful tips to manage the condition and keep your mouth healthy:

  1. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help to keep your mouth moist. Men should aim to drink at least 3.7 litres of water a day, while women should aim for 2.7 litres.
  2. Have sugar-free gum or candy: Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candy can stimulate your salivary glands and help increase saliva production.
  3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol intake: Caffeine and alcohol cause dry mouth and should be avoided as much as possible. To this end, you need to reduce your consumption of beverages such as coffee, tea, soda, and alcoholic beverages. 
  4. Quit smoking: Tobacco products, such as cigarettes, can dry your mouth. If you smoke, giving up can improve your symptoms.
  5. Use a humidifier: Sleeping with a humidifier can add moisture to the air, which may help if you wake up with a dry mouth.
  6. Use saliva substitutes: You can obtain saliva substitutes or mouthwashes for dry mouth at a local pharmacy. Specifically, select a product containing xylitol, a natural sweetener that protects against decay.
  7. Avoid sugary or acidic food: Foods that are high in sugar or acid can cause cavities, especially when you have a dry mouth. To protect your teeth, try to avoid these foods and drinks.
  8. Brush and floss regularly: Good oral hygiene is even more important when you have a dry mouth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to keep your mouth clean and prevent dental problems.
  9. Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups are essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, especially if you have a dry mouth. Your dentist can help monitor your oral health and recommend treatments or products to help manage the condition.

Complications of Dry Mouth

If dry mouth is not treated, it can lead to several oral health problems. Some of the complications include:

  • Increased risk of cavities: Without enough saliva to clean the teeth, plaque and bacteria can build up, leading to tooth decay.
  • Gum disease: A dry mouth can increase your risk of gum disease, which can cause swollen, bleeding gums and lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
  • Oral infections: Saliva has antibacterial properties, so a lack of it can result in an increased risk of infections like thrush.
  • Difficulty wearing dentures: People with dry mouth may find it uncomfortable to wear dentures since there is not enough saliva to keep them in place.

When to Visit a Dentist?

If you are experiencing persistent dry mouth, you must visit a dentist for help. They can help identify the cause of your dry mouth and thus recommend suitable treatments for managing your symptoms. The treatment for the underlying condition causing your dry mouth may cure you after some time.

Dry Mouth? We’ve Got Your Solution!

Park Ave Dental Aesthetics offers expert dental care to help you maintain optimal oral health. Our experienced team of dentist in Weehawken offers personalized solutions to ensure your smile stays healthy and beautiful. Contact us today, and we’ll help you find the right solution for your dry mouth concerns!

(862) 247-4001