If you have ever suffered from dry mouth, you know how unpleasant it can be. Maybe you thought it was normal for your mouth to be dry, but now it has become uncomfortable and is affecting your quality of life. The truth is that dry mouth, also called xerostomia, can negatively affect your oral and overall health.
When your saliva glands aren’t creating enough saliva to moisten your mouth, you may need to seek help from your Mesquite dentist. Please keep reading to learn more about dry mouth, its causes and symptoms, and what treatments might help.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Mouth?
When your saliva glands aren’t functioning the way they should, you may experience a dry mouth. You may need to seek medical attention for dry mouth if you begin to notice any of the following symptoms regularly:
- A sticky feeling in your mouth
- Thick and stringy saliva
- Bad breath
- Trouble chewing or swallowing
- Difficulty speaking
- Trouble wearing dentures
- A changed sense of taste
When Should I Call My Dentist in Mesquite?
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of dry mouth, you should make an appointment with your doctor or dentist to discuss any treatment options or lifestyle changes that can help.
Dry Mouth and Your Health
Chronic dry mouth can negatively affect your oral health and overall health, so we recommend you reach out to your doctor and our dental office if your dry mouth symptoms persist. Although xerostomia may not seem to be causing harm, a lack of saliva in your mouth can indicate certain diseases or conditions. Dry mouth can also lead to the following health issues:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Increased plaque buildup
- Mouth sores
- Thrush
- Cracked lips, sores, or split skin around your mouth
- Poor nutrition for those who can’t chew and swallow properly
Common Causes of Dry Mouth
Many things can cause your salivary glands to malfunction and cause dry mouth to occur, such as:
Medications
Hundreds of medications can cause your mouth to be dry. Some of these include medications for high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety, as well as over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and pain relievers.
Age
As you age, you may be more susceptible to dry mouth because of medications, nutrition, or long-term health issues.
Chemotherapy
If you are undergoing cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation, you may experience dry mouth.
Nerve Damage
You can get a dry mouth when you sustain an injury or have surgery that damages your nerves.
Other Health Conditions
You may experience a dry mouth if you have diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, or certain autoimmune diseases.
Tobacco and Alcohol Use
Drinking and smoking can cause a dry mouth in some people.
Recreational Drug Use
Both marijuana and methamphetamine can cause chronic dry mouth in some users.
Dental Care Tips for Dry Mouth Sufferers
Your Mesquite, TX, dental team recommends the following tips to help you combat your dry mouth symptoms:
Drink water – If you stay hydrated throughout the day, it will help keep your mouth moist. Consider carrying a water bottle with you.
Use sugar-free gum or candy – Chew sugar-free gum or eat sugar-free candy to stimulate saliva flow and moisten your mouth.
Consider saliva substitutes – For some patients, artificial saliva products can lubricate their mouths and help with dry mouth.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco – You can decrease your dry mouth symptoms if you decrease your alcohol and tobacco use.
Avoid caffeine – Caffeinated beverages can dehydrate you and cause dry mouth, so limit your coffee, tea, and caffeinated soda intake.
Use fluoride toothpaste for dry mouth – You can buy special toothpaste to help with dry mouth.
Use alcohol-free mouthwash – When buying mouthwash, look for either alcohol-free or neutral pH for dry mouth relief.
Use a humidifier – Using a humidifier can put moisture into the air and help keep your mouth from drying out.
Get regular dental checkups – Visit your Mesquite dentist every six months for advice and recommendations to decrease your dry mouth symptoms.
Talk to your doctor – If your prescription medications are causing dry mouth, ask your doctor if there are any other medications you can try.
Tips for Treatment and Dry Mouth Care
In addition to the dental care tips listed above, there are many things you can try at home to alleviate your dry mouth symptoms. Consider the following suggestions:
1. Sip water throughout the day.
2. Use a spray bottle to spritz the inside of your mouth when it gets dry. You can even add aloe or glycerin to the water to make it last longer.
3. Sip on water between bites when you are enjoying a meal.
4. Increase your use of condiments, soups, and sauces to increase your moisture intake.
5. Place a frozen slice of melon or cucumber between your cheek and gums to increase your saliva production.
6. Use nasal wash or oral sprays to moisten your nasal passages and relieve dry mouth.
7. Swish liquid laxatives in your mouth and then spit them out. This can help moisten your mouth.
8. Try papaya tablets to stimulate saliva production.
9. Consider acupuncture for your dry mouth symptoms. Some research shows it might help.
Do You Need Dry Mouth Treatments in Mesquite, TX?
If you are experiencing dry mouth and need more information about how to treat it or how it can affect your oral health, the expert dental team at Fresh 32 Family Dentistry can help! We want to work with you to help you understand your dry mouth symptoms and work to alleviate the problem.
You can reach our dental office by calling (469) 730-0090. We look forward to your call.