Dry Mouth and Your Oral Health

Dry mouth, or ‘xerostomia,’ is a condition that affects the amount of saliva your mouth produces. Saliva is vital to help break down your food and aid in swallowing, but it also acts as a cleanser. It constantly washes around your mouth to help fight tooth decay.

Symptoms

There are several symptoms to watch for; the most obvious one is, of course, a dry mouth. Often, people feel that their saliva is thick or sticky and have difficulty speaking or swallowing. Others may experience a ‘prickly’ burning sensation in their mouth or become sensitive to certain foods. If you think you may be suffering from dry mouth, it is essential that you talk to your dental professionals or doctor about it.

Causes

Dry mouth can result from various issues and may be more prevalent as you age. In some cases, dry mouth can directly result from medical conditions such as diabetes, lupus, or blocked salivary glands. Often, xerostomia is a side effect of medication, specifically heart, depression, or blood pressure tablets. Dry mouth can also result from medical procedures such as surgery to the head or neck or radiotherapy. Women who are experiencing menopause or are taking hormone replacement therapy may also suffer from dry mouth.

Help for Dry Mouth

There are several gel or spray products available that are designed to help your mouth stay moist and comfortable. Other ways of relieving dry mouth symptoms include staying hydrated, sipping water throughout the day, or sucking on sugar-free sweets. The sweets must be sugar-free as your mouth is significantly more vulnerable to dental decay when you have xerostomia. To control plaque buildup, it is essential to use a toothpaste containing a high fluoride level, at least 1350 to 1500 ppm. Saliva is a powerful tool that helps to cancel out the acid and fight the bacteria that attack your teeth.

If you are experiencing dry mouth, you have a higher risk of dental decay and gum disease, and any issues may escalate more quickly than usual. Unfortunately, your dental team won’t be able to help you treat the cause of your dry mouth, but Dr. Tokunaga’s expert team can help you create a treatment schedule to stay on top of any oral health issues that may develop.