Everyting Learns about dry mouth
It’s quite normal for people to have dry mouth from time to time due to dehydration. However, if you’re constantly suffering from a dry mouth, it can become a problem that needs to be resolved. In this article, you will learn about the effects of suffering from a dry mouth, as well as read about the possible causes. If you’re seeking relief, consider reaching out to Bellevue Orthodontics for expert guidance and solutions.
The causes of dry mouth
Aside from anxiety and dehydration, dry mouth can be the result of the salivary glands not producing enough saliva. When you are dehydrated, there is not enough fluid in your body, so to sustain the basic functions, the salivary glands will not produce saliva. This is also the reason why you experience dry mouth when you feel nervous.
But dry mouth can be the result of some medical condition or underlying problems, like:
- There are a lot of medicines that produce a dry mouth. Mostly the ones that cause a dry mouth are the prescription drugs, such as diuretics, antidepressants, and antihistamines. You can search online for the side effects of the medication you are taking, and if dry mouth is one of them, you should visit your doctor or dentist and get an alternative.
- This is a lifelong condition that makes blood sugar levels hard to keep under control.
- Sjogren’s syndrome. This is a condition where your immune system damages the salivary glands.
- Radiotherapy in the head and neck area. This will make the salivary glands more inflamed.
- Having a blocked nose. If you have a clogged nose and breathe through the mouth while awake or during sleep, it will result in a dry mouth.
If you suffer from a dry mouth, you should visit your dentist and determine what causes it.
What can dry mouth cause?
Saliva is essential for the health of your mouth. If you have a dry mouth for a longer period, you could suffer from problems such as:
- Dry lips
- Burning sensations and mouth sores
- Bad breath
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Mouth infections (oral thrush)
- Difficulty in eating, swallowing, and speaking
How to treat your dry mouth
The best way of finding out the source of your problem is to go to a dentist. With the help of a dentist, you will determine the cause and keep it under control by treating the symptoms. For example, if the medication you are taking is the source of your dry mouth, your doctor could either reduce the dose you are taking or offer you an alternative. Some of the symptoms previously presented can be treated, but if the salivary glands were extensively damaged, you would have to manage the condition for the rest of your life.
You should try to:
- Increase the fluid consumption. Drink regular sips of water.
- Suck on ice cubes. The cubes will melt and keep your mouth moist.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol. These will make your mouth drier.
- Chew sugar-free gum
If your dry mouth is the result of radiotherapy or Sjogren’s syndrome, address your dentist. Ask them to prescribe you pilocarpine and to recommend saliva substitutes and stimulants. For more information about dry mouth, you should ask your dentist.
