Dry mouth is a common issue, but rarely talked about. If it is a chronic, long-term issue, dry-mouth could lead to larger oral problems, like tooth decay and gum disease. That’s why it is important to treat your dry mouth problem.
Dentistry at 1818 Market Street is a Center City, Philadelphia dental office treating dry mouth problems.
If you are always feeling thirsty, have a dry, sticky mouth, chapped lips, or a burning or tingling in your mouth or on your tongue, you are likely experiencing dry mouth. Dry mouth can also cause bad breath.
Saliva is a natural, and integral, part of the digestive system. It helps break down foods and rinses the mouth of bacteria. Dry mouth, also known as Xerostomia, is a lack of saliva. This lack of saliva can cause difficulty tasting, chewing, swallowing and even speaking. Without an appropriate amount of saliva, bacteria can stick to the teeth and create tooth decay. This then leads to infections in the mouth and even tooth loss.
Dry mouth does not just happen on its own; it is not a disease. There is a reason why you are experiencing dry mouth, and the best way to treat it is to figure out what is causing the lack of saliva.
Other signs of dry mouth include stringy or thick saliva, a grooved tongue, and a sore throat without other common cold symptoms. Also, changes in your sense of taste or difficulty wearing dentures could be a sign of dry mouth.
Often, dry mouth is worse at night, while we are sleeping. You may wake up in the middle of the night completely parched, and in desperate need of water. This may be caused by mouth breathing while sleeping. There could be a reason why you are breathing with your mouth open while you are sleeping, possibly because of a nasal obstruction.
Or there could be another underlying cause of your dry mouth symptoms. It can be caused by medication use. Certain types of prescription medications, like some blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, antidepressansants and anti-anxiety drugs are known to have dry mouth side effects. Other causes of dry mouth are smoking, radiation treatment, aging, and even diseases such as diabetes or Parkinson’s Disease.
At Dentistry at 1818 Market Street, a Philadelphia dental office, we can help you get to the source of your dry mouth problem. We will work to figure out the cause of your chronic dry mouth before any permanent oral damage occurs. Contact us at our center city dentist office to schedule your appointment today so we can get started as soon as possible.
If you need immediate relief, before we are able to diagnose and treat your dry mouth, here are some suggestions for temporary relief:
- Practice a good oral hygiene routine
- Drink plenty of water during the day
- Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake, especially at night
- Stay away from acidic or spicy foods
- Brush with a fluoride toothpaste
- Rinse with a mouthwash specifically for dry mouth
- Quit smoking
- Use a humidifier in your bedroom
- Keep drinking water next to you through the night
