Have you experienced periods when you do not have enough saliva and your mouth is dry? There are several symptoms of dry mouth. These include a frequent thirst, a dryness in your throat and mouth, cracked lips, bad breath, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and a sore throat.
Saliva production is very important for your oral health. It keeps your mouth moist, it’s necessary for cleansing and food digestion, and it prevents infections by keeping bacteria and fungi in your mouth under control. But when your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, dry mouth concerns become an issue.
Do you know why saliva production is so crucial to your overall oral health?
Make note of the following causes, symptoms, and treatments of a dry mouth:
- Certain medications can have the side effect of dry mouth. In fact, this is a common side effect of both nonprescription and prescription drugs.
- Dry mouth can be a side effect of infections and some diseases. Examples include diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, cystic fibrosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Certain medical treatments can result in dry mouth. For instance, radiation can damage your salivary glands, which in turn can reduce the production of saliva.
- Nerve damage can result in dry mouth.
- Dehydration from vomiting, blood loss, diarrhea, and other conditions can lead to dry mouth.
Fortunately, there are things that you can do to treat dry mouth concerns. First, if you think it may be an effect of a medication, talk to your doctor. Adjusting the dose or switching the medication may alleviate dry mouth. In addition, drink a lot of water and breathe through your nose, rather than your mouth. Regularly see your dentist and brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste. Also use a fluoride rinse.
Please leave any comments you have about dry mouth in the “comment below” section. If you have any questions, would like more information on dry mouth concerns, or need help treating this type of issue, one of Padden Dental’s offices in Vancouver can help.
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