Not producing enough saliva can make it uncomfortable to breathe, speak, and even eat. It can also lead to a common condition called dry mouth (or xerostomia). Symptoms of dry mouth range from mild discomfort to severe oral disease. This condition can affect your health, diet, and overall quality of life. It can also cause bad breath, dry throat and cracked lips. Let’s walk through what exactly dry mouth is, the most common causes, why it’s important to share with your dentist, and relief options.

What is dry mouth?

According to the American Dental Association, dry mouth is a common, complex and under-recognized condition that is associated with a reduced production of saliva. This reduction can cause a number of difficulties including trouble with taste, eating, swallowing, and speaking. It can also increase your chances of tooth decay, tooth sensitivity and infection.

Saliva production is very important to your oral health because it...

• helps protect the oral cavity by prevent tooth decay
• facilitates speech and swallowing
• protects oral tissues against physical and bacterial growths
• helps you maintain a neutral pH
• helps wash away food particles

Common causes of dry mouth

One of the most common causes of dry mouth is dehydration. Dehydration can result from a number of things such as fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, and burns. Thankfully, dehydration is, for the most part, an easy fix. All you need to do is increase your water intake and keep up with the recommended oral hygiene routine of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day to feel better!

Other Causes of dry mouth include:

• Medication(s)
• Chemotherapy/Radiation
• Autoimmune diseases
• Nerve damage
• Alcohol and tobacco use
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Diabetes
• Hormonal changes
• Aging
• Caffeine

Why it’s important to tell your dentist about dry mouth

While dry mouth isn’t usually considered serious by itself, it’s possible there could be a related underlying health issue that may require treatment from a medical professional. If you’re experiencing dry mouth, it’s important to share this with your dentist so they can help you determine the cause(s). Your dentist may recommend a treatment plan to address your dry mouth. Make sure to share any medications you’re currently taking, as well as any lifestyle habits that could contribute to dry mouth. Your dentist may also request blood and imaging tests to check salivary glands.

Relief for dry mouth

Relief for dry mouth includes the use of saliva substitutes such as oral sprays and rinses, gel, swabs and dissolving tablets. Sugar-free chewing gum is also a commonly recommended intervention to help with saliva production. It’s important to remember that the treatment of dry mouth will be chosen based on your individual needs and may require trying several products to find the one that works best for you.

If you’re experiencing any signs and symptoms of dry mouth, make an appointment with your Dentist at Midlothian Dental Center as soon as possible. Call us today (804) 794-4588.