What is Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth, sometimes referred to as xerostomia, is a condition marked by insufficient salivation in the mouth. Saliva is crucial for maintaining oral health because it keeps the mouth moist, promotes digestion, and guards against gum disease and tooth decay. Insufficient salivary gland production can cause a dry, sticky mouthfeel.
Medications, certain illnesses (including diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and Sjögren’s syndrome), dehydration, nerve damage, smoking, and aging are among the common causes of dry mouth. A parched feeling in the mouth, frequent thirst, trouble speaking or swallowing, a sticky or thick saliva consistency, foul breath, and a higher risk of dental cavities and gum disease are all signs of dry mouth.
What Issues Can Dry Mouth Cause?
A dry mouth can result in a number of problems, such as:
- Dental decay: The likelihood of tooth decay rises when saliva production is reduced.
- Gum disease: Dry mouth can increase the susceptibility of the gums to infections and gum disease.
- Foul breath: Persistent foul breath might be caused by a lack of saliva.
- Speaking and swallowing issues: Dry mouth can make it painful to talk and swallow.
- Taste changes: A dry mouth can make food taste metallic or change how it tastes altogether.
- Mouth sores and infections: Dry mouth can exacerbate oral infections and mouth sores.
- Digestive issues: Poor saliva production might interfere with eating and digesting.
- Complications for oral health and discomfort: Dry mouth can be uncomfortable and affect how well dentures or other dental appliances fit.
Can Medications Cause Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth is a common adverse effect of many drugs. Antihistamines, decongestants, pain relievers, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and several blood pressure medicines are just a few examples of the numerous often-given drugs that might influence salivary gland function and lessen saliva production. Dry mouth problems may come from this.
It is crucial to address the side effects of dry mouth with your healthcare practitioner if you are taking any drugs. They might be able to change the medication’s dose or switch to one that has a lesser likelihood of producing a dry mouth.
In some circumstances, your healthcare professional can advise managing the symptoms of dry mouth by drinking more fluids, utilizing artificial saliva, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, and avoiding specific foods and drinks that might exacerbate the condition.
To better understand and handle any potential side effects, such as dry mouth, talk to your dentist near you about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines and vitamins.
Tips To Prevent Dry Mouth
To avoid having a dry mouth:
- Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
- Limit or stay away from things like alcohol and coffee that might cause dryness.
- In dry areas, a humidifier should be used.
- Maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine that includes frequent brushing and flossing.
- Avoid meals that are acidic or sweet.
- Suck on sugar-free chocolates or chew on sugar-free gum.
- If necessary, address the root causes of mouth breathing.
- With your healthcare practitioner, go through the medication choices.
For frequent checkups and expert cleanings, see your dentist in NW Calgary.
To Summarize
For top-quality dental care, look no further than our neighborhood dental office. Our experienced team of dentists in NW Calgary is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized dental services to patients of all ages.
From routine check-ups and cleanings to advanced treatments like dental implants and orthodontics, our dentist near Livingston offers a wide range of services to meet your oral health needs.
With a focus on patient comfort and satisfaction, we strive to create a welcoming and relaxing environment for every visit. Take the first step towards a healthy and beautiful smile by scheduling an appointment here at Sage Hill Dental!