Have you ever experienced that sticky, dry, not so fresh feeling in your mouth that created within you a sudden desire to break for the nearest source of water, or perhaps a mint, or even a stick of gum? It’s highly probable that you were experiencing Xerostomia, more commonly known as ‘Dry Mouth’. Dry mouth is a condition that affects the natural flow of saliva which can yield less than favorable consequences for the health of your teeth both during your day to day activities and over the long haul as well.
Related: 3 Dry Mouth Fixes
Symptoms of Dry Mouth can include:
- Prickly or burning sensation
- Thick saliva
- Sensitivity to certain foods
- Difficulty speaking (tongue tied)
- Unusually red sheen inside the mouth
Causes of Dry mouth can vary depending on age and overall health. Some medical conditions may also cause Dry Mouth by running interference with or inhibiting the saliva glands from functioning properly. Needless to say, medical triggers associated with Dry Mouth may also be corollary to certain medications.
Medical Conditions including the medications commonly prescribed to treat said conditions known to cause Dry Mouth may include:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis/Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Hypertension
- Depression
- Anemia
- HIV/AIDS
- Cystic Fibrosis
The Importance of Saliva
The natural flow of saliva helps to break down foods which in turn assist in our efforts to swallow our foods. Saliva can help to clean our teeth as well as the insides of our mouth while simultaneously providing the moisture that we need to help maintain a favorable PH – AKA fresh breath. Those lacking saliva experience many unwanted symptoms including that of bad breath.
For those suffering from dry mouth, the absence of saliva can result in the inability to fight off harmful acids which can cause unnecessary damage to your teeth as well as the inside lining of the mouth. Saliva helps to prevent unwanted tooth decay by fighting off the various bacteria that work to form the accumulation of plaque on your teeth. Plaque is made up of a thin film which is adhesive in nature and if left unchecked can lead to tooth decay and eventually, gum disease.
How can your Dentist help?
When it comes to treating dry mouth, seeking out professional help from a reputable dentist can certainly help alleviate the potential for greater problems such as gum disease or tooth decay which may develop if left unattended for too long. Your dentist should be able to help you properly diagnose and prevent further problems stemming from dry mouth.
Call me at Smile Concepts at 480-951-2800 for a first time consultation. I will work with you to assess and identify the source of your problem. Together, we can discuss the right treatment plan to eliminate the undesirable effects of dry mouth and help you to maintain the oral health that you deserve.
