The first line of
defense against tooth decay, oral infections, and bad breath is
saliva. Some people do not produce an adequate amount of saliva,
which causes discomforts like cotton mouth and a sore throat as well
as other complications. Learn about the causes of dry mouth and how
to increase moisture to improve your dry mouth symptoms.
Causes
Dry mouth can occur as
part of the aging process and is more common in adults over 40.
Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and menopause sometimes
trigger dry mouth in women. Even certain drugs and diseases interfere
with the ability to make saliva. Lifestyle choices can also cause
symptoms of dry mouth.
Medications
Dry mouth is a side
effect of many over-the-counter and prescription drugs, including
some that treat high blood pressure, depression, nasal congestion,
and anxiety. According to the University of Pittsburgh, about one
third of the most commonly prescribed medications cause dry mouth.
Medical Conditions
People with head or
neck cancers often experience dry mouth as a side effect of radiation
treatment. Additionally, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and Sjogren's syndrome
(an autoimmune disease that attacks the salivary glands) cause dry
mouth.
Habits
Alcohol, caffeine, and
tobacco use can cause dry mouth or make it worse in people who
already have dry mouth. You may also notice your mouth feels dry if
you eat a lot of spicy or salty foods without drinking enough water.
Snoring and breathing through your mouth also cause moisture to
evaporate from the oral cavity, leaving your tongue feeling thick or
sticky and your throat scratchy.
Effects on Oral
Health
Saliva rinses the oral
cavity and bathes teeth in a pH-balanced solution to promote a
healthy environment in the mouth. Without this pH-balanced solution,
you experience negative effects on teeth and soft tissues like gums
and the tongue.
Cavities
Bacteria break down
sugars in your mouth and produce acid as a byproduct. And without
enough saliva in your mouth, food particles and acids stick to teeth,
giving the bacteria more food. The acids wear down the protective
enamel covering teeth, which allows cavities to form.
Limit sweet and starchy
foods to help reduce the amount of acid produced in the mouth, and be
sure to brush or rinse after meals and snacks
Soft Tissues
Saliva defends against
harmful bacteria that enter the mouth. Too little saliva allows these
germs to spread and cause infection in the gums, which causes them to
become inflamed.
Saliva also helps the
tongue and soft palate manipulate food to swallow and begin the
digestive process. Without enough saliva, it can be hard to swallow
and speak properly because your tongue and throat are dry.
Treatments
You can treat dry mouth
with a combination of tactics to avoid drying factors. You should
always stay hydrated, stimulate saliva flow, and add moisture as
needed.
Short-Term Relief
Dry mouth caused by
diet or habits can be alleviated by making lifestyle changes. Drink
plenty of water throughout the day to keep up the moisture level in
your mouth. Avoid spicy-hot foods, overly salty foods, smoking, and
alcoholic drinks, as they make dry mouth worse. Chewing gum and mints
sweetened with xylitol instead of sugar stimulates saliva production.
Long-Term Solutions
Dry mouth caused by
chronic diseases or medications may need additional help. Your
dentist can prescribe artificial saliva products such as sprays,
gels, or rinses to add moisture to your mouth before you go to bed.
Add water vapor to the air with a humidifier, which can help your
oral cavity retain moisture.
If you have dry mouth
symptoms such as a sore throat, a rough or sticky tongue, and
difficulty swallowing or speaking, contact us at Eastland
Dental Center & Professional Dental Care to find out how we
can help.
