How To Deal With Dry Mouth?

Enough saliva production and flow in the mouth is essential to wash away debris and bacteria and balance the mouth’s pH. A dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, happens when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. It can happen due to various factors, from natural aging to underlying health issues like diabetes.

Insufficient saliva flow in the mouth can cause oral discomfort, difficulty swallowing and speaking, and even worse, increase your risk of oral problems like gum disease, oral thrush, and decay. Keep reading to learn more about dry mouth, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Symptoms of Dry Mouth

The symptoms of dry mouth can vary based on the cause and the severity of your condition. They can include:

• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, and speaking
• Sore throat and hoarseness
• Uncomfortable, sticky, or dry feeling in the mouth
• Dry or irritated tongue and lips
• Changes in taste
• Increased thirst
• Cracked corners of the mouth and lips
• Frequent mouth infections like oral thrush, gum infection, and decay
• Burning sensation in the mouth

Seek dental care at Asante Dental Centre if you have these symptoms. Our dentists can help identify the cause of your symptoms and address them early on.

Common Causes and Solutions for Dry Mouth

• Dehydration

Dehydration is one of the most common causes of dry mouth. It often happens when you need more water and fluids in a given period.

Solution: Proper hydration. Drinking enough water throughout the day will keep your mouth moist and prevent a dry mouth. Plenty of fluids or water also eliminates debris and harmful bacteria from the mouth, reducing your risk of oral infections. Most people need at least 6-8 cups of water daily.

• Certain medications

Some medications like decongestants, antihistamines, blood pressure medication, antidepressants, and cancer treatments can cause a dry mouth.

Solution: If certain medications cause your symptoms, you can consult your doctor for alternative medications. Contact our New Westminster dentistry for additional treatment options.

• Natural aging

As you age, your salivary gland can produce less saliva. The symptoms are more prevalent if you take medications or have underlying conditions that cause a dry mouth.

Solution: If your symptoms are due to old age, you can try various solutions like proper hydration, prescription drugs for saliva production, and limiting activities or foods that cause a dry mouth. Contact our dentist’s office near you for professional help.

• Medical conditions

Certain health conditions like diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, HIV/AIDS, and Sjogren’s syndrome can cause a dry mouth.

Solution: Treating or managing pre-existing medical conditions can help reduce the effects of dry mouth. Take your medication and follow your doctor’s instructions to promote overall well-being.

• Mouth breathing

Mouth breathing is commonly caused by nasal blockages due to allergies, flu, or cold. Unfortunately, mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing causes your mouth to lose moisture faster, causing a dry mouth.

Solution. Keeping your nose clean, nasal decongestants, and allergy medicine can improve nasal breathing and reduce the effects of mouth breathing.

• Tobacco, recreational drugs, and alcohol use

Taking recreational drugs like methamphetamine, drinking alcohol, and smoking can cause or worsen the symptoms of dry mouth.

Solution: Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs can help prevent dry mouth. Consult your doctor if you have difficulties avoiding these substances.

• Environment

Dry air can drain moisture from your mouth, causing a dry mouth.

Solution: Use a humidifier. Using a humidifier, particularly in a dry environment, can help improve moisture in the air, reducing dry mouth symptoms.

• Certain foods

Eating hard, chewy, acidic, sugary, and caffeinated foods and beverages like sweets, soft drinks, nuts, candy, and coffee can reduce moisture in the mouth, causing a dry mouth.

Solution: Eating soft and moist foods like stews, fresh fruits, vegetables, and soups can help keep your mouth moist and prevent dehydration. Avoid or limit foods that cause dry mouth.

Other Treatments Options for a Dry Mouth

Below are additional tips on how to prevent or reduce the effects of a dry mouth:

• Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.
• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.
• Use saliva substitutes. Artificial saliva or oral moisturizers can reduce the symptoms of dry mouth.
• Use mouthwash. Opt for a fluoride-based, non-alcoholic mouthwash.

Final Verdict

Implementing the solutions discussed above can help reduce or manage dry mouth symptoms. For more information about the causes and solutions for dry mouth, contact Asante Dental Centre.