Saliva is necessary for the proper functioning of your mouth because it keeps your mouth moist, aids in the breakdown of food and swallowing, and acts as a cleanser, constantly washing your teeth and mouth to prevent tooth decay and maintain a clean smile. A condition known as "xerostomia" causes your saliva to flow less freely, leaving your mouth feeling dry.
How can I tell I have dry mouth?
There are a few signs to be aware of. Naturally, the most noticeable one is a dry mouth. Some patients report having trouble swallowing or speaking because their saliva has thickened and become sticky. In addition, some persons experience scorching or "prickly" mouth sensations and food sensitivity. In addition to an increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay, mouth sores can occur. The mouth may occasionally turn red and glossy. It is not a given that you have dry mouth if you have any of these symptoms. However, it could be better to discuss it with your doctor or dental staff.
What can cause dry mouth?
As you age, dry mouth can occur and be a sign of a variety of issues. It is frequently a side effect of medication, particularly blood pressure, depression, and heart drugs. You should be able to find out from your dentist, pharmacy, or doctor whether taking a drug can lead to any issues. Medical procedures like radiation or head or neck surgery can also result in dry mouth.
Sometimes a medical condition (such as diabetes, lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, or blocked salivary glands) is the direct cause of dry mouth.
Are women more likely to get dry mouth?
Dry mouth is a common symptom among women going through the menopause, also known as "the transition" or "the change of life." Women who are on hormone replacement treatment (HRT) after menopause may also have dry mouth. See your doctor about changing your medication if you experience any of the dry mouth symptoms while taking it.
What problems can it cause?
Saliva plays a critical role in maintaining the health of your teeth by counteracting the acid that assaults them. Saliva facilitates easier swallowing by aiding in the breakdown of food while you are chewing. Some people discover that when their salivary flow is disrupted, they experience difficulty swallowing.
Saliva plays a critical role in the battle against tooth decay. It aids in the battle against the microorganisms that cause gum disease and tooth decay and create dental plaque. The thin, sticky film that continually builds up on your teeth is called plaque.
Reduced salivary flow can also impact food flavor and make it more difficult to consume dry foods. It can occasionally impact your speech and increase the likelihood of breath odor in others.
What products are there to help with dry mouth?
Many items are available to keep your mouth feeling comfortable and moist. Typically, these are sprays or gels. Certain ones contain additional substances that could assist avoid gum and tooth issues. Additionally, there are specialized products (such toothpastes and mouth rinses) to assist you with maintaining regular oral hygiene.
How often should I visit my dentist if I have dry mouth?
With dry mouth, you are more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay, which can worsen more quickly than usual. Thus, it is critical to see your dental staff on a frequent basis. How often you should visit will be determined by your dental team.
What can I do to help relieve the symptoms of dry mouth?
There are various methods for addressing dry mouth issues. Some discover that short-term relief comes from sucking sugar-free sweets or sipping water. Using sugar-free products is crucial since having a dry mouth increases your risk of developing dental disease. Chewing sugar-free gum might also be beneficial since it promotes saliva production in the mouth. Products like rinses, gels, pastes, and lozenges that you can purchase from the pharmacist may be recommended by your dental team.
What toothpaste should I use?
Using toothpaste with fluoride that has at least 1350 to 1500 ppm (parts per million) of fluoride is crucial. For controlling the accumulation of plaque, a "complete care" toothpaste with antibacterial agents and other components may be the best option.
Some patients with dry mouth find that items containing sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) irritate their mouths and exacerbate their condition.
