Dry mouth, also known as Xerostomia, is a condition that affects many people worldwide. Have you ever suffered from it?
Dry mouth happens when your body doesn’t form adequate saliva to keep your mouth lubricated and moisturized.
Symptoms
Almost everyone has experienced dry mouth at some point in their lives. If the dry mouth is persistent, it’s best to consult with your Dallas dentist.
- Trouble chewing, swallowing, speaking, or tasting
- A dry, sticky feeling in the mouth or throat
- Dry tongue
- A burning feeling in the mouth
- Gum irritation
- Cracked lips
- Bad breath
- Mouth sores
- Tooth decay
Causes
Some causes of dry mouth include stress, nervousness, aging, certain medications or health conditions, as well as autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome.
Sjogren’s syndrome is a chronic condition wherein a person’s white blood cells attack the body’s glands that causes moisture, particularly the salivary glands and the eyes. This autoimmune disease can cause dysfunction on other organs, like the gastrointestinal system, kidneys, lungs, blood vessels, pancreas, liver, and the central nervous system.
Diagnosis
To cure dry mouth permanently, the cause should be identified and treated. If certain medications cause your mouth to become dry, your doctor might make modifications on your dosage or change your prescription. Your doctor may also recommend some medications to help your salivary glands work better.
Prevention
Here are some preventive measures you can take to minimize dry mouth:
- Avoiding caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee, and some carbonated drinks
- Staying hydrated by drinking water or sugarless drinks
- Professional recommendation for oral care products that may help lubricate the mouth
- Avoiding alcohol or tobacco
- Chewing sugarless gum to stimulate the flow of saliva
- Minimizing the intake of salty or spicy foods
- Using a humidifier at night
- Breathing through your nose
- Avoiding acidic foods and sugar
Treatment
Dry mouth can be very uncomfortable and can have serious implications on your oral health. It can irritate and inflame the soft tissues in your mouth, making it susceptible to infection. Your Dallas dentist can help you determine the cause of your dry mouth and treat you accordingly. Schedule an appointment with us.
