What is Dry Mouth?
Xerostomia or dry mouth occurs due to a lack of saliva production. Dry mouth can cause difficulties eating, speaking, and digesting. If you experience severe dry mouth, it can cause throat disorders, anxiety and affect your quality of life. That’s why we offer dry mouth treatment in McKenzie Towne to help you get back to feeling your best.
So, what causes dry mouth? There are various causes, but dry mouth is typically a side effect of medication, which decreases your saliva production. Some medications that cause dry mouth include high blood pressure medication, antidepressants, steroids, and many others. Sometimes, dry mouth will go away by itself. Other times, it will continue with prolonged usage. If you’re concerned about dry mouth, visit our McKenzie Towne dental clinic.
Other causes of dry mouth can include:
- Dehydration
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Hormonal imbalances
- Mouth breathing
- Sinusitis
There are various factors that can increase your risk for developing dry mouth, which include:
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease
- Shortness of breath due to anxiety or a panic attack
- Nerve trauma or damage
If you’re suffering from dry mouth, visit our McKenzie Towne dental clinic for a consultation.
What Are Dry Mouth Symptoms and Signs?
Dry mouth can cause the following symptoms:
- Frequently feeling thirsty
- Cracked or chapped lips
- Dry feeling in the mouth
- Dry eyes
- Sore throat or dry feeling in throat
- An altered or diminished sense of taste
- Bad breath
- Mouth sores
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above and would like to receive dry mouth treatment in McKenzie Towne, please contact us to schedule a consultation.
How Do Health Care Professionals Diagnose Dry Mouth?
Our McKenzie Towne dentist near you will examine your mouth, tongue, lips, oral tissues, and salivary glands to develop a treatment plan. Since the symptoms are different for each patient, the treatments will also vary from person to person.
What Are Home Remedies and Treatment Options for Dry Mouth?
Typically, patients want to feel comfortable and relieved of their dry mouth. There are four types of treatment:
Saliva Preservation
- Breathing through your nose
- Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco
- Using a humidifier
- Avoiding over-the-counter decongestants
Saliva Substitution
- Drink more water!
- Sucking on ice chips
- Moisturizing lips with Vaseline
Saliva Stimulation
- Chewing sugar-free gum
- Eating sugar-free hard candies
- Some medications can help produce saliva
Prevention of Caries and Candida Infection
- Practice good oral hygiene
- Consume less sugar
- Use fluoride toothpaste or prescription toothpaste
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Our McKenzie Towne dentist near you will be happy to help.
Is It Possible to Prevent Dry Mouth?
While you cannot necessarily prevent dry mouth, you can prevent the side effects of it. Early detection and treatment can reduce your discomfort and improve your oral health. Contact us to schedule a consultation if you’re looking to receive dry mouth treatment in McKenzie Towne.