Dry Mouth: Causes and Cures
- Patient: Hello Doctor! I don't know what is wrong with me since the whole day; I feel thirsty even after drinking an ample amount of water.
- Dentist: Oh, that is a very common problem. Are you also experiencing a change in your breadth as well?
- Patient: Yes, but how did you know that?
- Dentist: Well, you are experiencing some of the symptoms related to dry mouth due to the decrease in the saliva production in your mouth.
- Patient: Ohh! Please elaborate more on this so I can go out with my friends again and not worry about my bad breath.
- Dentist: Don't worry, I'll provide you with the proper explanation about this.
Dry Mouth: General Overview
Dry Mouth, or Xerostomia, occurs when the mouth does not produce enough saliva. Saliva plays an important role in the mouth, which is the first step in digestion when the saliva helps moisten the food and make it easier to swallow.
Besides this, saliva also helps to keep the mouth moist, which in turn prevents tooth decay, bacteria and fungal infections. A lack of saliva in the mouth can lead to a feeling of dryness and a sticky sensation in the mouth, which can be a source of discomfort.
If left untreated, it can pave the way to gum diseases (gingivitis), tooth decay and even some types of mouth infections. For the elderly, it can make it difficult to wear dentures.
Common Symptoms of Dry Mouth
Some of the major symptoms of dry mouth include:
- Feeling of Thirst: Often, patients find that even after drinking enough fluids, especially water, their mouth still feels very dry.
- Dryness and Sticky Mouth: There is a weird sensation in the mouth, attributed to dryness, stickiness and persistent discomfort.
- Bad Breath: One of the most common side effects of dry mouth is bad breath, which causes problems in social interaction.
- Change in Taste: Often, since the mouth is dry, the sense of taste can be hampered.
- Lips That are Cracked and Dry: Saliva keeps the mouth and lips lubricated, without which the corners of the mouth can become cracked and the lips chapped.
- Swallowing and Speaking Issues: Dry mouth can lead to difficulty swallowing food and speaking clearly.
Dry Mouth and its Causes
Many factors can contribute to a dry mouth, which include:
- Dehydration: For an active adult, 8 to 10 glasses of water is sufficient water intake, which, when not fulfilled, can sometimes lead to dehydration. This can happen due to excessive sweating, too.
- Medication: Medications for depression, hypertension, anxiety and allergies can also contribute to dry mouth.
- Diseases and Infections: This is also a side effect of diseases like Sjögren's syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, anaemia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, Parkinson's disease and stroke.
- Smoking and Alcohol: Too much consumption of alcohol and excessive smoking of tobacco can also be the culprit.
- Nerve Damage: When the body sustains any injuries or subsequent surgeries, it can affect the head or neck and affect saliva production.
Remedies for Dry Mouth
- You can follow some simple ways in which you can manage or get rid of dry mouth, which include:
- Drink a sufficient amount of water all through the day.
- Try to cut down on caffeine and alcohol consumption.
- To create more moisture in the room, use a humidifier.
- Brush and floss properly and regularly, and add fluoride mouthwash or toothpaste that helps to strengthen the teeth.
- Breathe through your nose and not with the mouth, as air can dry out the mouth.
- It is also recommended to chew sugar-free gum, which has xylitol, and suck on ice chips, sugar-free candies, or lollies. This helps to generate a better flow of saliva in the mouth. But remember to not have any sugary items in excess as it can lead to softening of the teeth and even cavities.
- Avoid salty and dry food items as they absorb the moisture and saliva in the mouth, which can cause discomfort.
Most importantly, regular dental checkups are a must every six months so your dentist can detect any dental issues. This allows for the symptoms of dry mouth to come to notice faster, and you can solve the issue at hand. For good guidance, you can visit Yudhisther's Dental Care in Paschim Vihar, as they offer error-free dental care.
Ways to Handle Dry Mouth
Here are some easy yet effective ways with which you can curb the issue of dry mouth that includes:
- Quit smoking for long-term health and oral benefits.
- Avoid spicy and salty food. Instead, try to have more soups, gravies, creams, and butter, which are loaded with moisture and do not dry the mouth.
- Keep your lips well moisturized by using any chapstick.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and always rinse your mouth after each meal. You can even use a homemade mouthwash using water, salt and baking soda.
Conclusion
Dry mouth is a common oral issue that can be resolved using the simple methods described in the blog. A proper oral hygiene routine and regular dental checkups are essential for a long-term and vibrant smile. The biggest side effect of dry mouth is bad breath, which can be unpleasant and restrict social interaction. So, it is important to take the issue of dry mouth seriously and not leave it as it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I stop my mouth from being so dry?
You can stop your mouth from being so dry by having plenty of fluids throughout the day and practising good oral hygiene. Besides this, you can also chew sugar-free gums and suck on sugar-free candies. If nothing works, then visiting your dentist for further analysis and treatment is important.
2. What foods are good for dry mouth?
Any soft, naturally occurring food is good for dry mouth, like soft fruits, meat, fish, butter and more. Besides this, you can also consume dals, soups, ice creams, puddings, mashed potatoes, dalia, and khichadi, which are easy to chew and don't soak out the moisture in the mouth.
3. Is dry mouth a symptom of diabetes?
Yes, dry mouth is a symptom of high blood sugar, also prevalent in people with a long history of diabetes. It is important to address this issue since, if left untreated, dry mouth can lead to gum disease and other oral health problems. You can visit your dentist for more queries and information.