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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.

dry mouth treatment canley heights

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 canley heights

Symptoms of Dry Mouth

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?
Xerostomia or dry mouth is usually caused by inadequate function of the salivary glands.

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?
Dry mouth affects about 10% of all people and tends to be more prevalent in women than men. Disorders of saliva production affect older adults and those who are taking prescription and non-prescription medication most frequently.
Is saliva really that important?
Saliva is the mouth’s primary defence against tooth decay and maintains the health of the soft and hard tissues in the mouth.

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?
Drink plenty of water frequently to keep your mouth from drying and losing mucus.
Is dry mouth a sign of diabetes?
Anyone can get dry mouth, but usually, it is a common symptom of type one and two 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.

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