All About Dry Mouth

Although you might not think so, saliva, provides many services to your mouth. It helps you taste your food, it keeps your mouth comfortably moist and it washes away harmful bacteria that your mouth naturally contains. Your mouth without saliva would be a dry cave, incapable of enjoying your favorite food and at a much higher risk for tooth decay. Those who suffer from xerostomia, or dry mouth, deal with exactly these problems.

What Is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth is a decrease in production of saliva. It leaves sufferers with an uncomfortably dry mouth, sometimes enough so that it is difficult to speak. It affects up to 10% of the population. Those suffering from dry mouth can experience any of the following symptoms:

• Trouble tasting and swallowing food.

• Persistent cough.

• Chapped lips.

• Cavities.

• A white tongue, indicating fungal infection.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth can be caused by various things. It can either be a side effect of different medications or medical treatments, or of health conditions like diabetes or lupus. Some people can experience dry mouth temporarily when they’re nervous, anxious or dehydrated.

How Is Dry Mouth Treated?

There are a couple things doctors recommend to combat dry mouth:

• Drink water more often, especially during meals.

• Use a fluoride rinse and other precautions to prevent tooth decay.

• Chew gum to stimulate salivation production.

• Medicines that increase salivation production.

• Oral lubricants.

If you’re looking to speak to a dentist call Dr. Arzegar at the Lifetime Smiles today and schedule a consultation!