Do you feel like no matter what you do, your mouth is always dry? You could have a chronic dry mouth that can affect your oral health and be bothersome to boot. It can cause tooth decay and speed up its progression as well.
Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, occurs when your salivary glands inside your mouth aren’t producing enough to saliva to keep your mouth wet. Saliva is an integral part of mouth health because it helps neutralize acids created by bacteria. This limits the growth of bacteria in your mouth and helps wash away food particles. Saliva also makes your food taste better, and it enables you to chew and swallow.
It is not only uncomfortable, but this condition can lead to bad breath, which can adversely affect your home and work life. It can go beyond being merely annoying to causing severe health issues in your gums and teeth.
Do you think you are suffering? Let’s find out!
Signs You Might Have Dry Mouth
The first sign is relatively apparent. Your mouth is so dry that your tongue feels like sandpaper. While it’s true that having a dry oral cavity is a symptom of dry mouth, there are other signs to watch out for.
- Do you have a burning feeling in your mouth or on your tongue?
- Is your breath often foul-smelling?
- Are you having trouble wearing your dentures?
- Is your tongue dry with grooves?
- Are your lips dry?
- Is your throat scratchy?
- Does your lipstick frequently stick to your teeth?
- Are you having trouble chewing or swallowing?
- Are you having trouble talking?
If any of these symptoms seem familiar, you may have dry mouth. If you want to know for sure, come see us at Danville Family Dentistry. Our skilled experts are caring and compassionate, and they only want the best for your mouth.
Reasons You May Have Chronic Dry Mouth
There isn’t just one reason you might have dry mouth, there are several. Some causes include:
- Smoking
- Nerve damage
- Having diabetes or other condition
- Taking part in cancer therapy (chemotherapy drugs)
- Prescription or over the counter (OTC) medications
- Recreational drug use
- Getting older
If you ignore symptoms, it could affect not only your teeth but your oral health overall. Dry mouth left untreated can lead to a hoarse throat, chronically dry nasal passages, trouble speaking, and even dangerous fungal infections.
Treating Dry Mouth
Thankfully, with the help of a skilled team of dentists, dry mouth is easily treatable. Here are some tips from the professionals at Danville Dentistry.
- Limit drinking very cold or very hot drinks.
- Remain hydrated all day, especially in the summer when you sweat a lot.
- Drink water before, during, and after a meal.
- Try to stick with water and stay away from sugary drinks or drinks with a lot of carbonation.
- Make sure your mouthwash is alcohol-free.
- Stay away from alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
We can help you create a plan to combat the condition and develop healthy oral care habits. You can schedule an appointment anytime by calling 317-745-4400. We can’t wait to help you put healthy oral habits into practice.
Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
(317) 745-4400
