Dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when your body fails to produce enough saliva. It can strike at any time -- even when you are sleeping. The condition affects your ability to taste food and may cause tooth decay or other health concerns, according to the American Dental Association. Understand the facts about dry mouth to know when you may be at risk.
Significance
Saliva is vital to your dental health because it delivers the lubrication needed to clean your mouth of food as well as remove acids created by plaque. Saliva also hinders the growth of harmful bacteria and enhances your ability to swallow and digest properly, MayoClinic.com reports. Dry mouth threatens your well-being by reducing the amount of saliva delivered to your mouth and raises your likelihood of gum disease, tooth decay and damage from high amounts of plaque. The condition is most common in older adults, so your risk increases as you age.
Cause
Medication is the most common cause of dry mouth, the American Dental Association reports. Drugs used to treat high blood pressure, anxiety, Parkinson's disease and incontinence carry the highest risk, while muscle relaxants, antihistamines and decongestants also raise your likelihood for the condition. Nerve damage in your head and neck, and cancer treatments like chemotherapy may decrease saliva production. Sleeping or snoring with an open mouth can be contributing factors.
Signs and Symptoms
Dry mouth causes bad breath and often results in thick saliva, according to Harvard Medical School. Other signs of dry mouth include split skin or sores on the corners of your mouth, lips that are cracked and difficulty talking or swallowing. Some people experience fungal infections or a sore throat due to insufficient saliva and are unable to fully taste foods or beverages.
Prevention/Solution
Fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse can help prevent dry mouth, as well as breathing through your nose instead of your mouth, says the Cleveland Clinic. Mouthwash that contains alcohol and drinks like coffee or soda with caffeine often result in excessive dryness, so avoid these when possible and drink plenty of water. Substitute sugar-free gum for candy and foods with high amounts of acids, which promote tooth decay.
Expert Insight
Some research indicates acupuncture may benefit people with dry mouth, according to MayoClinic.com. Researchers are trying to determine the therapy's potential benefits.
Considerations
Contact your doctor if you experience persistent dry mouth and lifestyle changes don't help. If you have suffered a stroke or have Alzheimer's disease, you may feel symptoms of dry mouth even if your salivary glands are healthy. Your doctor can help determine the cause of your condition and determine the proper treatment, which may include over-the-counter saliva substitutes, reports the Cleveland Clinic.
Warning
Tobacco use puts you at high risk for dry mouth and poses other serious threats to your health, including cancer. Smoking cessation often relieves symptoms of dry mouth, according to MayoClinic.com.
References
- American Dental Association: Oral Health Topics: Dry Mouth
- MayoClinic.com: Dry Mouth: Symptoms
- Cleveland Clinic: Dry Mouth Treatments
- MayoClinic.com: Dry Mouth: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Harvard Medical School: What Causes Dry Mouth and What Treats It
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: Dry Mouth
