DRY MOUTH (XEROSTOMIA)

The condition of a dry mouth is very common and is often seen as a side effect of many types of medication. More than 400 types of medicine can cause dry mouth, including over-the-counter drugs for allergies and cold symptoms. Prescription drugs for high blood pressure, overactive bladder, and mental health problems can also cause it. It is more common in older people (mostly because this group tend to take several medications) and in persons who breathe through the mouth.

Side effects

Because saliva isn’t flushing your mouth of food particles and debris regularly, people with dry mouth often develop bad breath. If you wear lipstick, it might end up on your teeth because there’s not there to rinse it off. Dry mouth might also be the cause of a tickle in the throat.

Smoking can make it worse

There are many reasons to quit smoking, and having dry mouth is one of them. Smoking does not cause dry mouth, but it can aggravate existing dry mouth.

Treatment

Talk to your dentist at NuDental Bloemfontein, Pretoria or Cape Town if you’re suffering from dry mouth. If you’re not taking medication that cause it, your symptoms might point to an undiagnosed medical condition like Sjögren’s syndrome or diabetes. In many cases it is not possible to correct the xerostomia itself, and treatment is symptomatic, and also focuses on preventing tooth decay through improving oral hygiene. Saliva reduces the acids that cause tooth decay.   Successful treatment is often difficult to achieve.

Handy tips

• Sipping water frequently will help keep your mouth moist.
• Drinking water or milk with meals increases moisture and helps with chewing and swallowing.
• Sleep in a room with a humidifier.
• Steer clear of sugary, acidic, or caffeinated drinks.
• Chewing gum might also help.