Dry Mouth
What Causes Dry Mouth? Symptoms, Signs & Treatment
Dry Mouth Treatment Canley Heights
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, refers to the ailment in which the salivary glands in your mouth don’t make enough production of saliva to keep your mouth moist.
This condition is often due to the side effect of a specific medication, aging issues or due to radiation therapy for cancer.
To know what causes your dry mouth, your Canley Heights dentist will likely review your medical history and current medication you’re taking, including over-the-counter medicines, and examine your mouth.
Causes of Dry Mouth
Many things can cause dry mouth. Some of the other causes of dry mouth are as follows:
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Anxiety disorder
- Smoking
- Taking tranquilisers
- Exercising or playing under the heat
- Certain medications, including some antihistamines and appetite suppressants
- Aging
- Snoring
Symptoms of Dry Mouth
- Bad breath
- Lipstick sticking in the mouth
- More frequent gum disease
- More tooth decay and plaque
- Problem speaking
- Sticky saliva
- Sore throat
Dry Mouth Treatment
Your therapy depends on the cause of your dry mouth.
Your Canley Heights dentist may:
- Change medications that cause dry mouth.
- Stimulate saliva production.
- Prevent tooth decay.
Your Canley Heights dentist may recommend the use of artificial saliva products.
These products are available over the counter in a rinse or spray. Toothpaste, mouthwashes, and moisturising gels that are specially formulated for dry mouth are also available.
Here is some home remedy for dry mouth:
- Drink a lot of water
- Suck on sugarless candies
- Improve overall oral care
- Use an alcohol-free mouth wash
- Chew sugarless gum
Avoid the following:
- Breathing through your mouth
- Smoking tobacco
- Dry foods
- Spicy foods
- Sugary foods and drinks
Alcohol consumption should also be kept to a minimum or avoided altogether, and caffeine should be only be consumed in moderation.
Dry Mouth Treatment in Canley Heights
If dental issues are causing dry mouth, and they are in most cases, your Canley Heights dentist can start treating the cause of the problem with dental services available in our clinic.
If your dry mouth causes pain, you may need additional treatment. Discuss your options with your Canley Heights dentist at your dental appointment.
Visit your Canley Heights dentist today!
If you want to know more about our dry mouth treatments in Canley Heightss, please call us on (02) 9199 9678 or book your appointment online.
We are located at 1/229 Canley Vale Road in Canley Heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is xerostomia?
An individual with dry mouth typically finds it harder to enjoy food.
Dry mouth is a common problem. It is a common side effect of certain medications, which may improve with a new prescription or an adjustment of dosage.
Usually, we get a dry mouth when we are upset, stressed, or extremely frightened.
Some patients may think the dry mouth is a normal part of aging, but it is not. However, it is more commonly found in older adults.
How common is dry mouth?
Is saliva really that important?
Saliva washes away food and other particles, neutralises acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth, offering first-line protection against microbial invasion or overgrowth that might lead to dental and general health problems.
How do I keep my mouth moist?
Is dry mouth a sign of diabetes?
Why does my mouth dry up even though I drink a lot of water?
A dry mouth can occur when the salivary glands in your mouth don’t produce enough saliva.
This is often a result of dehydration, which means you don’t have enough fluid in your body to produce the saliva needed.
It is also common for your mouth to become dry if you’re feeling anxious or nervous.