What causes dry mouth?

Dry mouth is a condition that occurs when the salivary glands don’t produce as much saliva as they should.

If you have experienced dry mouth, you will know that it can feel uncomfortable. The condition, also known as xerostomia, typically occurs when insufficient saliva is produced in the mouth. It can lead to several other symptoms, including bad breath and cracked lips, and can be caused by several factors. Read on to find out what can lead to dry mouth, and what you can do to resolve the issue …

What causes the problem?

Many factors can contribute to dry mouth, the most common of which is dehydration. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, can also affect the body’s ability to produce saliva and lead to a dry mouth. Other conditions that can cause dry mouth include oral thrush, HIV and AIDS, and cystic fibrosis, among others.

Other factors that can cause dry mouth include stress and anxiety; smoking; certain medications; mouth breathing; and the natural ageing process.

Although the dry mouth is not necessarily a serious condition, it is sometimes a sign of an underlying issue. If left untreated, it can also contribute to problems like bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay because saliva helps to maintain optimal oral health.

Can it be prevented?

There are some ways in which you can prevent and alleviate dry mouth. Most importantly, try to drink plenty of water throughout the day to ensure that you stay hydrated. Sipping water often helps keep your mouth moist.

If you are prone to dry mouth, you may find it helpful to avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. You should also consider limiting your consumption of salt and sugar.

It is also important that you practice proper oral hygiene daily. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth every day and seeing your dentist for regular check-ups. If an underlying condition is causing your dry mouth, your dentist may recommend further treatment or refer you to another medical professional.

What are the treatment options?

If you suffer from dry mouth, we recommend that you come in and see us so that we can customise a treatment plan for you. The treatment that suits you best will depend on the cause of your issue, and your dentist will be able to help identify any underlying health conditions that could be contributing to your dry mouth.

If necessary, our team will refer you to a doctor who can help to review any medications that you are taking or who may prescribe medications formulated to boost saliva production in your mouth.

If you are suffering from dry mouth, as well as bad breath, cracked lips or particularly thick saliva, it is time to see your dentist or doctor. In some cases, persistent dry mouth is a sign of tooth decay, so a dental check-up is advisable.

How can we help?

At Kitchener Street Dental, we offer a comprehensive range of dental services, including general check-ups. If you have dry mouth or any other oral health concerns, we encourage you to come in and see us so that we can identify and address any potential issues. By coming in to see us for regular check-ups, it is possible to maintain your oral health and enjoy a happy and healthy smile. If you would like to find out about our general dentistry services, please have a look here.

Besides general dentistry, we also offer children’s, laser, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, as well as dental implants, mouth guards and orthodontic treatments. To find out more about the range of services that we provide at Kitchener Street Dental, please have a look here.

If you would like to arrange a consultation, please give us a call on 07 3184 8462 or get in touch with us here.   We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and helping to improve and maintain the condition of your smile.