Dry mouth happens when you do not produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. While a common condition, it can be detrimental if not managed properly. Yet, it is often not reported or properly managed. While it might be uncomfortable, it can also harm your oral health.
The best way to treat dry mouth often depends on why it's happening. At North Tampa Dentistry, we are happy to educate patients regarding any oral health issue and how to treat them, including dry mouth.
Treating Dry Mouth
Common steps you can take to relieve dry mouth include:
- Limiting coffee and caffeine products
- Avoiding alcohol-based mouthwash
- Avoiding tobacco
- Chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow
- Hydrate
- Try over-the-counter dry mouth products like Biotene
- Using toothpaste for dry mouth
- Introducing mouth spray to hydrate dry mouth
- Using mouthwash for dry mouth
- Breathing through your nose instead of the mouth
- Using a room humidifier, especially at night
Causes for Dry Mouth
Dry mouth happens when the salivary glands don't work properly as the result of:
- Medications: Many medications have dry mouth as a side effect
- Aging: Many older adults report dry mouth as their body changes or reacts to medication, diet, or health issues
- Illness: Treatment can disrupt normal saliva flow, including cancer and radiation treatments
- Nerve damage: Injuries can create nerve damage that can affect your mouth
- Health issues: Health conditions like stroke, yeast infection, diabetes, or autoimmune disease can affect your salivary flow
- Snoring with an open mouth can lead to dry mouth
- Smoking or drinking can lead to dry mouth
Are You Suffering From Dry Mouth?
Over time, dry mouth can create serious oral health complications if not treated. Give your dentist in Tampa, FL a call today if you are suffering from dry mouth today. You can also schedule an appointment for a teeth cleaning or any other appointment on our contact page.