If you have a consistently dry mouth, you may be suffering from a condition called xerostomia. Xerostomia is a medical condition that makes it difficult to produce enough saliva, leading to a dry mouth. While this condition is annoying on its own, it can also lead to some serious side effects—including dental issues.
Below is more about xerostomia, including common causes, dental and oral health issues it can lead to, and treatment options.
Common Causes of Xerostomia
There are a variety of reasons why you may be suffering from xerostomia. These may include:
- Medications
- Cancer treatment
- Smoking/chewing tobacco
- Mouth breathing
- Medical conditions
- Dehydration
- Caffeine
- Age
- Alcohol
- CPAP use
Xerostomia and Dental Issues
Saliva is very important, as it helps with fighting bacteria, removing food debris, digestion, and a lot more.
Without an adequate amount of saliva, a variety of different oral health issues can occur. These include:
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Mouth sores
- Cracked lips
- And more
While some of these conditions are more annoying than anything else, others are quite serious. For instance, cavities can compromise a tooth to a point where it is no longer viable. Similarly, gum disease can loosen a tooth and lead to the tooth falling out.
To help avoid these issues, schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss treatment options for your consistently dry mouth.
What to Look Out For
Unsure if you have xerostomia? Consider these other symptoms:
- Thick and stringy saliva
- Sore throat
- Bad breath
- Dry tongue
- Difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- Change in taste
Treatment Options for Xerostomia
There are a few different treatment options that are available to address xerostomia. Some of them are at-home remedies, while others require a visit to the dentist. Some treatment options include:
- Prescription medication
- Chewing on sugarless gum
- Switching to alcohol-free mouthwash
- Drinking more water
- Using a humidifier
One cause of dry mouth that many people don’t consider is the medication they are currently taking. Some prescription medications can lead to a dry mouth.
If you believe this is the case, speak with your doctor about the medication. They may suggest trying a different medication, or they may offer suggestions for addressing your dry mouth.
Be sure you don’t stop the use of your prescription medication without first visiting the doctor for approval.
Reach Out Today
If you believe you are suffering from xerostomia, reach out now. The sooner it can be addressed, the lower the chances will be of the condition leading to more serious oral health issues.
When you contact us, we’ll book you an examination with a top dentist to look at your mouth and determine whether you are suffering from xerostomia, and what the underlying cause may be. From there, your dentist will put together a treatment plan to meet your needs.
We look forward to speaking with you and providing you with the treatment you need.