We’ve all experienced it at one time or another. The dry, cracked lips, the bad breath, the sticky tongue, and every other uncomfortable sensation we get when our mouths are dry. Sometimes, it’s short-lived and goes away quickly. No big deal. However, it’s those times when dry mouth is chronic when our dental office in Memphis becomes concerned.
What’s the Big Deal?
Dry mouth may seem like a simply annoying thing that happens. But if it happens a lot and lasts a while, there’s definitely a reason to be concerned. Healthy mouths require adequate saliva production to stay healthy. It helps rinse away food particles and bacteria and it neutralizes damaging acid. Without it, the mouth is in danger of tooth decay and other oral health concerns.
What Causes Dry Mouth?
There are several possible explanations to dry mouth. Some are fairly common and are easily fixed. Others are a bit more complicated and require input from your medical team.
- Medications. Hundreds of prescription and over the counter medicines list dry mouth as a side effect. Read the packet of all medicine and discuss regular medications with your dentist in Memphis.
- Disease. Diabetes, Parkinson’s, HIV/AIDS, Sjögren’s syndrome, and others can lead to dry mouth.
- Dehydration. This is incredibly common and easily remedied. Drink more water and you should feel relief.
- Mouth Breathing. When people can’t effectively breathe through the nose, they open their mouths to get enough oxygen in. This constant exposure to air can be incredibly drying.
How Do You Treat Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth treatment greatly depends on the case and the cause behind it. Sometimes a shift in medication may be appropriate. Other times, adding in a medicine that helps produce saliva can help. Either way, there are some things you can do in your everyday life to keep your mouth wet, limit the severity of dry mouth, or avoid it in the first place.
- Drink water throughout the day
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
- Limit caffeinated beverages
- Chew sugarless gum
Don’t forget, our Memphis dental office is always here to help as well. If you’d like to speak with someone about your dry mouth or possible treatments, call us to schedule an appointment. We’ll determine the cause of your symptoms and work together to find the appropriate solution for you.
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