Understanding Dry Mouth
Dry mouth has many causes and is linked to a variety of dental and other health issues. Recognizing the symptoms early can help you manage the condition and protect your oral health.
Dry mouth is a medical condition that may affect overall dental health. When salivary glands in the mouth don't make enough saliva, bacteria may proliferate. Saliva helps to neutralize some of the acids caused by bacteria. Saliva also makes it easier to swallow and chew, plus helps with indigestion.
There's not much one can do to prevent dry mouth, as it's often caused by medications being taken for other conditions, issues related to age, and also radiation therapy used to treat cancer. There are also conditions that directly affect the salivary glands, but it's not common.
While dry mouth can be a minor annoyance, it can also decrease quality of life and exacerbate other medical conditions and/or dental issues.
How to tell if I have enough saliva?
If you recognize any of these symptoms over time and consistently, definitely reach out to us here at Aspire Family Dentistry.
- Halitosis (Bad Breath)
- Inhibited Chewing, Swallowing and/or Speaking
- Dry Throat and/or Tongue
- Hoarse Voice
- Change In Sense Of Taste
- Denture Fitting Issues
What causes dry mouth?
While dry mouth is usually a fairly obvious condition to the one experiencing it, it's still good to know the reasons people contract this condition, including:
- Over The Counter & Prescription Medications – including drugs used for depression, high blood pressure, anxiety, muscle relaxants, pain medications & more.
- Natural Aging Process – may also contribute to dry mouth, especially as affected by other health issues and, possibly, inadequate nutrition.
- Chemotherapy & Radiation – effects of these medical treatments on the amount of saliva in your mouth is often temporary. Cancer therapy near the head and neck can be more damaging to the saliva glands.
- Nerve Damage – received in the head or neck area, damage to the nervous system can create dry mouth conditions.
- Other Health Issues – including diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, HIV/AIDS, and more.
- Tobacco, Alcohol & Drug Use – any one of these three behaviors can greatly increase the risk of dry mouth.
Making sure you're making the amount of saliva needed to maintain overall oral health is important. Choose to ignore it and not treat it, and find yourself with increased chances of not-fun things like more plaque, tooth decay and gum disease, as well as sores and split skin.
Have Questions? We're Here to Help
Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you achieve optimal dental health.