The Basics of Dry Mouth

As you reach for the water, hoping your cotton mouth will go away, did you ever stop to think that the dryness could be a dental problem? Well, it is! It’s called dry mouth, and it’s time to treat it.

What is dry mouth?

Dry mouth is a condition that develops when you have an inadequate flow of saliva in your mouth. This condition is not a disease, but it could be considered as a side effect from many medications or as a symptom of a medical disorder. Dry mouth is very dangerous for your smile. Without saliva, the hard and soft tissues in your mouth could be damaged, the oral acids produced by bacteria daily will not be neutralized, and the teeth will not be constantly washed. If you do not have adequate saliva, your smile is also prone to severe tooth decay.

What are the symptoms of dry mouth?

There are many symptoms of dry mouth, like:

· A constant sore throat

· Trouble speaking

· A burning sensation

· Difficulty swallowing

· Dry nasal passages

· Hoarseness

What are the treatments for dry mouth?

There are many treatments for dry mouth. Some of those treatments include chewing on sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, using artificial saliva, and using mouth rinses. Whatever you can do to promote saliva in your mouth is better than nothing.

How can I prevent dry mouth?

Dry mouth prevention is easy and doable. All you need to do is use a humidifier in the home, avoid using medications that cause the condition, breathe through your nose as much as possible, avoid using tobacco products, and drink 8 FL oz. of water each day.

Now that you know the basics of dry mouth, it’s time to start treating the condition, whether it’s by chewing sugar-free gum, using oral rinses, or consulting with your dentist. If you would like to talk to your dentist, Dr. Kenneth Pollary, about this problem, please call Pollary Family Dentistry now at 719-591-0750. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you at your earliest convenience!