How To Treat Dry Mouth

Saliva helps us digest our food and cleanse our teeth by washing away food particles. When our body isn’t producing enough saliva a condition called dry mouth occurs (also called xerostomia).

What Causes Dry Mouth:

• The most common cause of dry mouth is a side effect from medication.
• Chemotherapy drugs can change the nature of saliva and the amount produced.
• Head/neck injury or surgery that caused nerve damage.
• Certain health conditions can cause dry mouth; autoimmune diseases or stroke.
• Snoring and breathing with your mouth open.
• Smoking or chewing tobacco can increase dry mouth symptoms.
• Methamphetamine use can cause severe dry mouth.

Symptoms from dry mouth:

• Soreness in the mouth and/or throat
• Cracking at the corners of the mouth
• Inside the mouth looking red and parched
• Food just not tasting like it used to
• Difficulty speaking, chewing or swallowing.
• A tendency to wake up more often during the night
• Bad breath

Side effects from dry mouth:

• Mouth sores
• Increased plaque
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease (gingivitis)
• Mouth infections.

What can be done to help with dry mouth?

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist.
• Take frequent sips of water if you’re mouth is feeling dry.
• Brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste and use a fluoridated mouth rinse.
• Use a humidifier in your home to help bring moisture into the air.
• Avoid any products that can make symptoms worse: caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, sugary/acidic/spicy or salty foods
• Saliva substitute products are available over the counter at the pharmacy (mouth spray, gels and rinse)
• Ask your dental hygienist for more tips.

Kristine
Dental Hygienist