What is dry mouth?
Dry mouth, medically termed xerostomia, is a common condition characterized by a lack of saliva leading to various problems, including difficulty swallowing, speaking, and chewing. The condition can also cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.
There are many possible causes of dry mouth, including:
✅ Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications.
✅ Medical conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome and diabetes. Radiation therapy to the head and neck can cause damage the salivary glands and lead to dry mouth, as well.
✅ Dehydration caused by not drinking enough fluids can also cause dry mouth. This can be due to illness, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating.
✅ Lifestyle factors: Smoking, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol can all contribute to dry mouth.
In general, there are a number of things that you can do to help manage dry mouth, including:
➡️ Drink plenty of fluids
➡️ Use saliva substitutes
➡️ Avoid caffeine and alcohol
➡️ Quit smoking
➡️ Chew sugar-free gum or hard candy
➡️ Use a humidifier
➡️ Breathe through your nose
➡️ Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day
➡️ See your dentist regularly
If you are experiencing dry mouth, you must see your doctor or dentist to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Once the cause of your dry mouth is determined, you can do several things to manage your symptoms and improve your oral health.
