Dry mouth is also called xerostomia and can happen to anyone. A dry mouth means you do not have enough saliva in your mouth. Salivary glands make saliva, which is essential for a healthy mouth. It helps moisten and break down your food and washes away the food particles from your teeth and mouth. It allows people to swallow their food quickly. Saliva contains minerals such as calcium and phosphate that helps keep teeth strong and fights to decay. The most common reason for dry mouth is dehydration. But if you are someone who has a dry mouth all the time, then it is time you do something about it. It can make your swallowing, chewing, or talking difficult. It also increases the risk of tooth decay or fungal infections in the mouth because saliva keeps harmful germs in check. A dry mouth has nothing to do with aging, and you must pay heed to any concerns.
Most Common Reasons for Dry Mouth
Nervousness or stress are some of the most common reasons. However, other causes are mentioned below.
- Side effects of medicines – Many medicines can cause the salivary glands to make less saliva. For example, high blood pressure, depression, and bladder-control issues, medications can dry your mouth easily.
- Diseases like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and more can cause dry mouth.
- Chemotherapy – Drugs to treat cancer can make saliva thicker, causing the mouth to dry.
- Radiation therapy – Salivary glands can be damaged whenever exposed to radiation during the treatment.
- Nerve damage – Injury to the head or neck can damage nerves that tell salivary glands to make saliva.
- Anxiety or nervousness – Even anxiety or nervousness can lead to dry mouth. We know that anxiety is part of our life, and there’s no escape. It is the most natural way to react to scary or difficult situations.
Symptoms of Dry Mouth
Some of the most common symptoms of dry mouth are:
- Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting, speaking
- Burning feeling in the mouth
- Dry or rough tongue
- Dry feeling in the throat
- Cracked lips
- Mouth infection
You can relive your dry mouth by following these simple things:
- Sip water or sugarless drinks often while eating to allow smoother chewing and swallowing.
- Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. It can dry out the mouth.
- Chew sugarless gum or sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow.
- It would be a good idea to avoid spicy food.
- Avoid tobacco or alcohol.
If you are someone who experiences persistent dryness in the mouth, then it is time to reach out to Livermore Dentists at (925) 961-5484. We can help with all your concerns and update you on your dental health.