What Causes Dry Mouth and What Do To About It

premier • Sep 12, 2022

This article will list out what causes dry mouth, signs and symptoms of dry mouth, and what you can do about it.

Saliva is important for keeping tissues moist and makes it easier to chew and swallow food. Saliva also cleans your oral cavity and helps with digestion. Dry mouth is a condition that arises when you do not have enough saliva. Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can create problems for chewing, tasting, swallowing, and talking. It can also lead to mouth sores, bad breath, and infections. Here is a look at the causes, common symptoms, and treatment for dry mouth.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth is caused by anything that interrupts saliva production. In mild cases, xerostomia is caused by dehydration. In this case, the condition can be treated by drinking more water. In severe cases, xerostomia is caused by:

  • Medications like antidepressants, antihistamines, and decongestants
  • Use of tobacco
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Sleep apnea
  • Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, which disrupt the production of saliva

What Are The Signs of Dry Mouth?

There are different symptoms associated with xerostomia. Sometimes it is hard to identify dry mouth symptoms because they are similar to those experienced with other oral conditions. However, you should notify your dentist the moment you suspect xerostomia. Some of the possible indications include:

  • Difficulty tasting foods
  • Cracked lips
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Frequent tooth decay
  • Sticky saliva
  • Pain and infection on the tongue

Treatment for Dry Mouth

The treatment for dry mouth focuses on stimulating saliva production. Some of the strategies you can use to restore normal saliva production include drinking more water, chewing sugar-free gum, and brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. If your condition is triggered by medication, you can look for a different medication that does not come with the side effects of dry mouth. Your dentist may also prescribe a mouth rinse, mouth moisturizer, and medicine to trigger saliva production.

End Note

South Holston Dental Designs is devoted to creating the smile you have always dreamt of. The modern dental procedures performed by this team of dentists will resolve any oral conditions and make remarkable improvements to your smile. If you are struggling with dry mouth or any other oral health issue, do not hesitate to consult South Holston Dental Designs. Schedule a consultation today by calling (276) 466-9800.

By premier 05 Mar, 2024
Many people think all they are doing to care for their teeth is enough, when in reality, it may be just the tip of the iceberg. There are more ways than one to ensure your teeth are properly cared for. Aside from brushing, flossing, and regular dentist visits, your diet can greatly impact your oral […] The post Protect Your Smile With Your Diet appeared first on South Holston Dental Designs.
By premier 14 Aug, 2023
Putting a smile on your face is a great way to lift your spirits. However, many people are self-conscious about flashing those pearly whites when they’re not exactly white. If this sounds like you, teeth whitening may be the thing for you! While teeth whitening is seen by many as a cosmetic procedure, you’ll be surprised […] The post Smile! Benefits of Whitening Your Teeth appeared first on South Holston Dental Designs.
By premier 10 Aug, 2023
You use your toothbrush twice a day, seven days a week. That means it gets a whole lot of use. It’s essential to change your toothbrush because of this. Here’s why! Bacteria According to OnHealth, your toothbrush is home to millions of bacteria like e. Coli and Staph. When you put into perspective how many […] The post Importance Of Changing Your Toothbrush appeared first on South Holston Dental Designs.
By premier 03 Aug, 2023
If you have ever experienced discomfort or pain after biting ice cream or drinking hot coffee, you probably have sensitive teeth. Pain resulting from eating hot or cold foods can be a sign of a cavity, but in most cases, it is tooth sensitivity. This condition may affect several teeth or all your teeth. Here […] The post Treatment For Tooth Sensitivity appeared first on South Holston Dental Designs.
By Social Media 21 Jun, 2023
Maintaining Healthy Smiles in Later Years
By Social Media 07 Jun, 2023
Taking Care of Your Whole Body by Starting with Your Teeth!
24 Apr, 2023
Tips and Tricks to keep your pearly whites, pearly white!
21 Apr, 2023
It’s important to start building healthy habits with your children at a young age. Your child should visit the doctor at least once a year, but did you know they should do the same with their dentist? Your child’s oral care can have a great impact on their overall health. So how can you start a healthy dental care routine with your children?
17 Apr, 2023
In this blog post, we will discuss why regular dental visits are essential and how they can benefit your patients.
10 Apr, 2023
One way to care for your teeth is knowing what will affect them. Different things like food and drinks can alter your smile. It is important to know how to care for your teeth to prevent any damage from being done. Here are a few different foods and drinks that affect the health of your smile.
More Posts
Share by: