
What causes dry mouth?
When your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva, there’s not enough moisture in your mouth and it becomes overly dry. Dry mouth can be a random side effect of prescription medicine or a sign that there’s something actually wrong with your salivary glands. Common causes of dry mouth are:- Prescription medication
- Nerve damage in your mouth from an impact or injury
- Smoking
- Chemotherapy and radiation
- Extreme dehydration
- Other health conditions
What are the side effects of dry mouth?
The importance of saliva goes beyond just your mouth. The water and enzymes in saliva are necessary for good breathing, digestion, immunity, and oral health. Common side effects of dry mouth include:- Dry (scratchy, painful) nasal passages and throat
- Trouble swallowing
- Trouble speaking
- Increased risk of infection in the mouth
- Increased risk of tooth decay
- Bad breath
- Trouble tasting food
How do I treat dry mouth?
Talk with your doctor to figure out what’s causing your dry mouth. There are prescription and over-the-counter medicines and mouth rinses that might be able to ease your symptoms. If you have dry mouth, it’s very important you maintain good oral hygiene to protect yourself against tooth decay and infection. Talk with your dentist about prescription fluoride or more regular cleanings to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Some easy ways to keep yourself comfortable with dry mouth include:- Drink more water
- Chew sugar-free gum (with xylitol) to help produce saliva and keep your teeth clean
- Breathe out of your nose instead of your mouth
- Use a humidifier at home
- Don’t smoke
- Don’t drink caffeinated beverages
- Don’t take antihistamines or decongestants
Sources: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-mouth/basics/preparing-for-your-appointment/con-20035499 http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/what-is-saliva#1