If you have noticed consistent dry mouth, there are a few possible reasons for this. One possible reason is Sjögren's syndrome. Below is more about how Sjögren's syndrome and xerostomia are often connected, treatment options for dry mouth, and more.
What Is Xerostomia?
Dry mouth (also known as xerostomia) is a condition in which a person is unable to produce an adequate amount of saliva. This is a major issue, as saliva helps to wash away food debris, assists in digestion, helps to fight off bacteria, neutralizes acids, and more. Xerostomia puts patients at risk of more serious oral health conditions and needs to be addressed.
Sjögren’s and Xerostomia
Sjögren's syndrome is a direct cause of xerostomia (dry mouth). It is an autoimmune disease, and because of this, your immune system may attack glands that produce saliva. Once they are damaged, the production of saliva will reduce significantly. In turn, this leads to dry mouth.
Symptoms of Xerostomia (Outside of a Dry Mouth)
Besides your mouth feeling dry, there are a few other symptoms of xerostomia to look out for. These include:
- Thick and stringy saliva
- Bad breath
- Dry tongue
- Sore throat
- Change in taste
- Difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or speaking
If you notice these symptoms, make sure you schedule an appointment with your dentist for an examination.
Other Common Causes of Xerostomia
Outside of Sjögren's syndrome, there are a variety of other causes of dry mouth. Some of these include:
- Medical conditions
- Dehydration
- Smoking/chewing tobacco
- Age
- Caffeine
- Medications
- Cancer treatment
- Mouth breathing
- Alcohol
- CPAP use
Treatment Options
When it comes to the treatment of Sjögren’s syndrome, prescription medication will likely be used. These medications may include pilocarpine or cevimeline. Pilocarpine and cevimeline help to increase saliva production, thereby eliminating dry mouth.
If xerostomia is caused by conditions outside of Sjögren’s syndrome, treatment options may include:
- Drinking more water
- Chewing on sugarless gum
- Switching to alcohol-free mouthwash
- Using a humidifier
- Drinking less alcohol
- Cutting back or stopping the use of tobacco products
- Cutting back or stopping drinking caffeinated beverages
What If I Don’t Address It?
It’s very important to address xerostomia, especially if it is caused by Sjögren's syndrome. Some of the long-term consequences of not addressing dry mouth may include:
- Gum disease
- Mouth sores
- Cavities
- Cracked lips
- And more
While treatable, these conditions can worsen over time. The more these conditions are allowed to worsen, the more severe the consequences will be. What may start as a simple filling or deep cleaning may progress to root canal treatment or even extraction. Don’t simply ignore a persistently dry mouth.
Consider trying the helpful, at-home treatment options above. If your dry mouth doesn’t stop on its own, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Contact Us
If you believe you are suffering from Sjögren's syndrome and/or xerostomia, contact us today. We will set an appointment and provide you with an examination. We’ll then determine the best treatment option to meet your needs.