Dry Mouth: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention
How'd I get Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a medical condition where the salivary glands fail to function properly, causing a decrease in the production of saliva in the mouth. (Duh right? The problem is dry mouth = bad breath and possibly disease.)
Sufferers of dry mouth may even experience a burning sensation of the tongue, difficulty in swallowing, and an altered sense of taste. It is usually characterized as having a sticky and dry feeling in your mouth and throat and having cracked lips. (Did we mention bad breath? Oh, yes... we sure did)(photo by boynton)
Yes. Dry Mouth Can Lead to Cavities.
Dry mouth should be taken seriously as it can contribute to rapid teeth deterioration and other oral health problems such as bad breath. Saliva not only acts as an agent in digesting food, it also plays a significant role in protecting the teeth by washing away bacteria and keeping acid level in check. Furthermore, dry mouth may be a symptom of a much serious medical condition such as diabetes and HIV.
Causes of Dry Mouth
As for its causes, dry mouth can be brought about by a number of factors. Aside from dysfunctional salivary glands, anxiety, inadequate water intake, mouth breathing, and vitamin deficiency can trigger the condition. A number of prescribed and over the counter medicines as well as radiation therapy and exposure may also lead to dry mouth. If you are always or constantly suffering from dry mouth, here are a number of things that you can do in order to help prevent or ease your condition:Dry Mouth Prevention
Increase water in take. Having a sip of water when ever your mouth feels dry helps ease the sticky feeling inside your mouth and throat.
Avoid alcohol and smoking. Not to mention that they are generally bad on dental health, these two can contribute to your mouth's dry condition.
Use a sugar free gum. Chewing gum from time to time stimulates the salivary glands and helps produce additional saliva. Sugar also dries the mouth
Reduce sugar in take. Sugar is known to dry the mouth, as much as possible prevent taking in food and drinks that are high in sugar.
If you have recently developed the condition after taking prescription drugs, contact your doctor for possible alternatives.
Use mouthwash specially made for dry mouth.
It would still, however, be best to consult your dentist regarding dry mouth as its treatment often times are on case to case basis depending on the nature of your condition.
(White Tiger photo by kabils)
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