Got Dry Mouth? Here’s Probably Why and What You Can Do
Saliva is essential for good oral health as well for your overall comfort in general. Everyone will experience a dry mouth occasionally, however, if it’s a common condition or a daily problem you may have deeper laying issues.
Our bodies are constantly at work producing saliva to help keep our mouths moist. We are to produce 2 to 4 pints of saliva daily on average! Saliva helps us taste our food, and it also helps us process and break down food so that it can be swallowed safely. It also protects our teeth by washing food particles away after we chew and swallow the main bits.
Dry mouths can be caused by a number of things. One reason for dry mouth is if the saliva glands may not be working properly. A lack of saliva can leave you with a dry, hoarse voice and can make your breath putrid. Needless to say, that having a lack of saliva is not a fun experience! If you get a dry mouth once in a while when scared, nervous, or tense that’s one thing. However, if it’s a constant daily issue you may have deeper laying conditions!
There are many things that can cause chronic dry mouth issues. Certain medications for one may cause the dry mouth issues. Some of these common medications that cause dry mouth include antihistamines, painkillers, decongestants, and diuretics among others. Many lifestyle choices can cause chronic dry mouth as well like chewing tobacco or smoking cigarettes. Illnesses in some cases can cause dry mouth as a side effects including HIV/AIDs, Parkinson’s, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes to name a few conditions that can cause dry mouth. Dehydration and not consuming enough water throughout the day can also cause dry mouth so make sure you drink enough throughout the day to keep your mouth moist throughout the day.
If you have a loved one or family member constantly has dry mouth concerns or issues, or you have experienced it yourself then you know how terrible this condition can be. Your tongue can stick to the roof of your mouth. You are at heightened risks of cavities and bad bacteria multiplying in the mouth that can cause tooth rot and decay! These are the biggest side-effects of having dry mouth.
Dry mouth is more than discomfort it can also increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and sometimes infections. Dry mouth should be treated soon as possible. The treatment for your dry mouth can often dictate the treatment required. If you chew tobacco or smoke cigarettes stopping may help. Medications may be able to be altered or changed or even doses changed to reduce the dry mouth side-effects. Sometimes try chewing sugarless gum or sucking on a sugar-free mint. Those simple fixes can sometimes alone help fix dry mouth!
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about us visit us here or call us 909-465-1016. The Ramona Dentistry Team “Where Family Comes First”