8 Facts About Dry Mouth (Dehydration Is Only One Potential Cause)

Do You Often Wake Up in the Morning With a Dry Mouth?

A dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. A dry mouth can be uncomfortable and frustrating.

Here are more facts about dry mouth to help you understand it better.

• A Dry Mouth Can Affect How Your Mouth Functions

  Saliva plays an important role in the mouth. It keeps the environment moist, helps dislodge food debris, and neutralizes acid levels.

  Saliva also aids in food digestion and minimizes the risk of bad breath. When there’s not enough saliva in the mouth, chewing and swallowing can become difficult.

  Saliva is also necessary for taste buds to recognize food taste. A dry mouth can cause you to experience an unpleasant taste in your mouth, which can take away from the joy of eating.

• Dry Mouth Causes Vary

  There are several potential causes of a dry mouth, and dehydration and an unhealthy lifestyle are only two of them.

  Excessive sweating, vomiting, smoking, caffeine consumption, and drinking alcohol can all contribute to a dry mouth.

  The condition can also be due to the medications you’re taking, as some medicines can affect the ability of the salivary glands to produce saliva.

  Some examples are medicines for depression, allergies, and high blood pressure. A dry mouth can also be a side effect of a medical condition, such as diabetes or anemia.

• Dry Mouth Symptoms Are Easy to Spot

  Telling if you may have a dry mouth is easy because of the uncomfortable sensation it causes.

  Your mouth feels dry and sticky. Your lips become dry and chapped. Your tongue feels rough, and you may notice sores in your mouth.

  Your sense of taste may also change. You may have trouble tasting, chewing, and swallowing your food. Persistent bad breath is another sign you may have a dry mouth.

• Anyone Can Have a Dry Mouth

  Since a dry mouth has varying risk factors, anyone can develop it.

  While dry mouth is common among older adults due to the medications they take and dehydration, it isn’t a normal part of the aging process. (Source: NIDCR)

  Health conditions can also increase the risks of developing a dry mouth.

• A Dry Mouth Can Compromise Your Oral Health

  Lack of saliva can make you more prone to plaque, cavities, and gum disease. You’re also likely to experience mouth sores, which can be painful.

  Saliva helps wash away food deposits in the mouth so they don’t linger long. This helps starve harmful bacteria and keep them from spreading.

  Without enough saliva, it’ll be easier for plaque and tartar to build up. That’s why it’s important to let your dentist know if you feel you have a dry mouth so they can examine your mouth and recommend a custom treatment plan.

  You can also prevent oral health complications from a dry mouth by improving your oral hygiene routine.

• A Dry Mouth May Be a Sign of a Health Condition

  If you have a dry mouth but aren’t smoking or drinking and have good oral hygiene habits, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue.

  A dry mouth is linked to diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that attacks glands that produce tears and saliva.

  A person with Sjogren’s syndrome can experience dry eyes, dry mouth, and dry skin.

• There Are Several Treatment Options for a Dry Mouth

  There are several steps you can take to manage dry mouth symptoms.

  First, increase your liquid intake and prevent habits that dry out the mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help stimulate salivary flow.

  Additionally, your dentist can recommend oral care products that help ease dry mouth. If your dry mouth is caused by medications, your healthcare provider may be able to provide you with a new prescription.

• A Dry Mouth Can Be Prevented

  Being cautious of your lifestyle choices can improve a dry mouth.

  Dry mouth can be prevented by limiting the intake of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. Avoiding smoking and maintaining good oral hygiene habits can also slow down the effects of dry mouth.

  Furthermore, keeping up with routine dental visits is crucial for avoiding potential issues that can affect your oral health.

Learn More About Dry Mouth Straight From a Dentist in SE Calgary, AB

For more information about dry mouth, contact us today at Embrace Dental.

If you’re in Southeast Calgary, AB, we can arrange an appointment with our dentist for a comprehensive oral exam. Find out if your symptoms are due to a dry mouth.

Dry mouth can be treated, but prevention and prompt action are still better and more cost-effective in the long run.