Many adults suffer from a dry mouth, so rest assured you’re not alone. Whilst it could be something as innocent as lack of water, it could also be a sign of something more severe. Dry mouth happens when salivary glands in your mouth don’t produce enough saliva. This condition causes a parched, or dry, feeling in your mouth. It can also cause other symptoms, such as bad breath, a dry throat, and cracked lips. Not only this, but saliva is important for maintaining good dental health and protecting against disease and tooth decay. So, if you’re hearing alarm bells then it’s time to delve a little deeper.
Don’t ignore the symptoms
As we’ve said there could be an innocent explanation, but there could also be signs of another underlying problem. It’s important to understand what things to look out for and when to seek help. Dry mouth can develop at any time and for many reasons such as medications, nutritional deficiencies, and even stress. Also, certain cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation treatments near the salivary glands can affect the production of saliva. If you are under stress or feeling anxious, you may experience dry mouth syndrome. Symptoms can also occur because of hormone changes from pregnancy or menopause, as well as snoring or breathing with an open mouth. The important thing is to identify what could the issue and then look at treating the cause.
Remedies to help with a dry mouth
There are some simple things you can do at home to help that could take effect almost immediately…
Try to:
- Drink water regularly
- Chew sugar-free gum
- Breathe through your nose, not your mouth
- Use a humidifier in your room at night
- Brush with a fluoride toothpaste
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups
Avoid:
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Using mouthwashes that contain alcohol
- Eating too much sugary food or drink
If you are suffering from chronic dry mouth, we recommend visiting Newmarket Road Dental Practice to book a consultation.
