Dry Mouth is Not a Symptom to Ignore
Posted on 6/2/2025 by Masci & Hale Advanced Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry |
 Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition that affects millions of Americans. It occurs when the salivary glands in your mouth don't produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. Saliva is essential for good oral health because it helps to:
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Wash away food particles and bacteria. |
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Neutralize acids that can damage teeth. |
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Lubricate your mouth, making it easier to swallow and speak. |
When you don't have enough saliva, your mouth can become dry, sticky, and uncomfortable. You may also have difficulty tasting food, and your mouth may feel sore or irritated. In severe cases, dry mouth can lead to problems with speaking, eating, and even sleeping.
What Causes Dry Mouth?
There are many things that can cause dry mouth, including:
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Medications: Many medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, can cause dry mouth as a side effect. |
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Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, Sjogren's syndrome, and HIV/AIDS, can also cause dry mouth. |
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Lifestyle factors: Smoking, drinking alcohol, and using caffeine can all contribute to dry mouth. |
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Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy to the head and neck can damage the salivary glands and cause dry mouth. |
How to Relieve Dry Mouth
If you are experiencing dry mouth, there are a few things you can do to relieve the symptoms:
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Drink plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated is important for overall health, and it can also help to relieve dry mouth. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day. |
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Suck on sugar-free candy or lozenges: This can help to stimulate saliva production. |
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Use a saliva substitute: Saliva substitutes are available over-the-counter and can help to keep your mouth moist. |
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Avoid caffeine and alcohol: These substances can dehydrate you and make dry mouth worse. |
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Quit smoking: Smoking is a major cause of dry mouth. |
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See your dentist: If your dry mouth is severe or doesn't improve with home treatment, see your dentist. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions and recommend additional treatment options. |
Long-Term Effects of Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is not just a temporary annoyance. It can have serious long-term effects on your oral health, including:
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Tooth decay: Dry mouth makes your teeth more susceptible to cavities because there is less saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria. |
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Gum disease: Dry mouth can also increase your risk of gum disease, which is an infection of the gums. |
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Oral thrush: This is a yeast infection that can occur in the mouth when there is not enough saliva to keep it clean. |
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Difficulty speaking and swallowing: Dry mouth can make it difficult to speak and swallow, which can affect your quality of life. |
Restoration Dentistry
If you have already experienced tooth decay or gum disease as a result of dry mouth, restoration dentistry can help to restore your oral health. Restorative dentistry includes procedures such as fillings, crowns, and bridges to repair damaged teeth and dentures to replace missing teeth.
Don't Ignore Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a common condition that can have a significant impact on your oral health. If you are experiencing dry mouth, don't ignore it. See your dentist to rule out any underlying medical conditions and get treatment to relieve the symptoms and prevent further complications. By taking steps to manage your dry mouth, you can keep your mouth healthy and comfortable.
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