Reston, Va.
Ever feel like you have a mouth full of cotton? Everyone can experience dry mouth from time to time, but if the feeling doesn’t go away, you might have a problem producing saliva.
Dry mouth, also known as Xerostomia, occurs when salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. Because saliva serves so many important functions, dry mouth can affect the overall wellness of your mouth and dental health.
A reduction in the production of saliva can be caused by certain medical disorders, cancer treatment, old age, and is often a side effect of medication. Dry mouth typically worsens in warmer weather and dry climates, when you are more likely to experience dehydration. It might not be a serious medical condition on its own; however, if ignored it could lead to oral complications like tooth decay, a disruption in sleep, sore throat, gum disease, bad breath, and difficulty eating.
What causes dry mouth?
It is not uncommon for every person to experience this condition at some point in their lives, but chronic dry mouth can be more than just bothersome, it can make it difficult to maintain a healthy mouth. If you’ve been diagnosed with xerostomia and wonder how it happened to you, here are some possible reasons:
- Dehydration
This usually happens in hot environments or during the summer when you are more susceptible to dehydration. The problem occurs when the body cannot supply enough fluid to all tissues, affecting the production of saliva.
- Health Conditions
Sjogren’s Syndrome, diabetes, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease, and cystic fibrosis are some of the illnesses that can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth can be a symptom of these disorders, but can also be related to the methods of treatment of the conditions.
- Medications
Dry mouth can also be a side effect of undergoing cancer treatment, specifically radiation near your head or neck. It may also be caused by certain medications and supplements, such as appetite suppressants and chemotherapy drugs.
- Tranquilizers and inhalers
Those using oral inhalers for asthma often develop oral problems like oral fungal infections because they are prone to dry mouth.
- Emotional Disorders
Emotional disorders like fear, stress, depression and anxiety can contribute to one experiencing dry mouth, as an emotional imbalance can lead to the lack of a balanced diet and proper oral care.
- Tobacco and Marijuana
Dry mouth is also a side effect of smoking tobacco and using marijuana. Some consider this a minor inconvenience, and continue with their bad habits. These same people think that the dryness of the mouth is caused by the smoke from using tobacco or marijuana. Little do they know, there is an underlying reason behind the dryness of their mouth: research shows that using it affects the brain’s ability to function normally. And the mechanism that assists the body to produce saliva is blocked because of the substances found in majuana and tobacco.
- Aging
Saliva production decreases as one’s age increases. Factors that cause dry mouth during aging include the use of medications and supplements, changes in the body’s ability to process medication, inadequate nutrition, and having long term health problems.
What are the symptoms? How do I know if I have dry mouth?
Here are the common signs and symptoms associated with a dry mouth:
- A feeling of dryness or stickiness in your mouth
- Saliva that seems thick and stringy
- Bad breath
- Difficulty of chewing, speaking and swallowing
- Dry or sore throat and hoarseness
- A changed sense of taste
How does dry mouth affect your oral health?
Saliva is important for a number of reasons, especially in the process of digestion, by moistening and breaking down food to make it easier to chew and swallow. Additionally, saliva cleanses the mouth, decreases the formation of plaque, thus providing protection from tooth decay. Over time, chronic dry mouth can lead to rampant decay, gum disease, and unpleasant breath.
5 ways to prevent dry mouth
- Drink Plenty of Fluids
You can prevent the above-mentioned symptoms by simply sipping water to help keep your mouth moist and improve its saliva production.
- Avoid Using Tobacco and Marijuana
If you are using tobacco and/or marijuana, it is advised to decrease the frequency of use…but best to avoid it completely.
- Lessen Your Intake of Sugar
It is also advised, specifically for those who have high blood sugar or diabetes, to lessen the intake of sugar. Some people find that chewing sugarless gum and sugar-free candy helps. It is very important to use products that do not contain sugar as dry mouth can make one more susceptible to tooth decay. And chewing sugar-free gum encourages the production of saliva.
- Clean Your Mouth After Using Inhalers
It is encouraged to rinse your mouth after using an inhaler in order to prevent a fungal infection that is caused by and perpetuates dry mouth.
- Consult Your Doctor or Dentist
Your doctor and/or dental team can recommend products such as rinses, flouride, pastes, and lozenges to assist in managing symptoms of dry mouth.
Most of the time, dry mouth symptoms are a temporary and treatable condition. However, if ignored, a chronic case of dry mouth can impact your well-being, and especially your oral health. Dr. Queen and the staff at Elden Street Dental Care can help prevent or delay the onset of tooth decay caused by dry mouth by giving you advice on diet and information about caring for your teeth and gums properly. Call us today at 703-689-2480!