Understanding Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is more than uncomfortable. When your mouth isn't producing enough saliva, it creates an environment where cavities, gum disease, and infections thrive. Here's what causes it and what you can do about it.
Saliva does more than keep your mouth moist. It washes away food particles, neutralizes the acids that bacteria produce, provides minerals that repair early enamel damage, and helps you chew, swallow, and taste food properly. When your salivary glands aren't keeping up, all of those functions take a hit.
The medical term is xerostomia, and it affects millions of people. Most don't realize how much damage it's doing until cavities start showing up in places they never had problems before.
Common Causes
The most common cause is medication. Hundreds of prescription and over-the-counter drugs list dry mouth as a side effect, including antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers.
Other causes include natural aging, especially when combined with multiple medications. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy, particularly when directed at the head and neck area. Nerve damage from surgery or injury to the head or neck. Medical conditions like diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer's, and autoimmune conditions like Sjogren's syndrome. And tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drug use.
Aging alone doesn't cause dry mouth, but older adults are more likely to take medications that do. That's why it becomes more common with age.
Signs to Watch For
Persistent bad breath that doesn't improve with brushing. A dry or sticky feeling in your mouth or throat. Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking. A hoarse voice. Changes in your sense of taste. Cracked or split skin at the corners of your mouth. Sores inside your mouth. And if you wear dentures, a change in how they fit.
If any of these have been ongoing, it's worth mentioning to Dr. Lee at your next visit. Dry mouth can accelerate tooth decay and gum disease faster than most people expect.
What You Can Do
Start with hydration. Sip water throughout the day. Keep a bottle with you. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free lozenges stimulates saliva production. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, all of which make dry mouth worse.
Use a humidifier at night if you breathe through your mouth while sleeping. Switch to an alcohol-free mouthwash, since alcohol-based rinses dry your mouth further.
If your dry mouth is caused by medication, talk to your doctor about alternatives. Don't stop taking prescribed medication on your own, but options often exist.
At Aspire Family Dentistry, Dr. Lee can recommend prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste, saliva substitutes, and products designed specifically for patients with dry mouth. We may also adjust your cleaning schedule. Patients with dry mouth often benefit from visits every 3 to 4 months instead of every 6 to stay ahead of decay.
Have Questions? We're Here to Help
Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you achieve optimal dental health.