Adequate salivary production and flow into your mouth are essential for healthy teeth, gums, digestion, and overall health. Dry mouth causes almost one-third of dental cavities and many cases of gum disease in older adults. Your saliva is just as important as brushing and flossing every day to maintain optimal oral health.
To find out what we can do about your dry mouth and discuss solutions schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry.
What Is Xerostomia?
Xerostomia is the scientific name for dry mouth which is the reduction or absence of salivary flow. Dry mouth is a symptom caused by various dental and medical conditions or treatments instead of being a disease. Older adults experience xerostomia more often due to the increased likelihood of taking medications or receiving treatments that disrupt the normal function of salivary glands.
Why Is Saliva Important?
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Saliva is a thick and clear liquid produced by three pairs of major salivary glands and hundreds of minor ones in your mouth. These glands produce about two to four pints of saliva twenty-four hours a day. Although saliva is mostly made of water, it also contains important enzymes such as ptyalin and lipase that help digest starches and fats. Other chemicals found in saliva help control the acidity of your mouth, wash food off your teeth, and prevent infections.
What Are The Symptoms Of Dry Mouth?
Everyone has a dry mouth occasionally, usually caused by stress. But a persistent dry mouth can cause several symptoms, such as:
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A sticky or burning sensation
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Difficulty chewing and swallowing
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Problems speaking clearly
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Sore throat
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Bad breath
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Cracked lips
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Mouth sores
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Mouth infections such as candidiasis
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Increase in dental plaque
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Distorted taste sensation
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Infection of salivary glands
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Tongue pain
What Causes Dry Mouth?
There are several possible causes of your salivary glands not producing enough saliva, including:
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Age. Xerostomia is not a normal part of growing older. Still, it occurs as older adults take more medications, consume insufficient nutrition, and have more health conditions that lead to dry mouth.
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Medications. Most cases are caused by the more than four hundred medications that cause dry mouth as one of their side effects. Among these medications are antihistamines, anti-depressants, anti-hypertensives, decongestants, pain medications, and muscle relaxers.
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Cancer treatments. Radiation treatments and certain chemotherapy drugs can cause dry mouth that may resolve after treatment or cause a permanent change in salivary production.
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Medical conditions. Diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome, diabetes, HIV, hypertension, and many others can cause dry mouth.
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Tobacco products. Smoking and using other tobacco products can lead to dry mouth symptoms.
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Alcohol. Studies have shown that drinking alcohol diminishes your salivary flow rate and causes dry mouth.
What Are The Solutions For Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth can be a debilitating condition and often requires the joint efforts of the patient, dentist, and physician to manage the symptoms and avoid its many oral and systemic complications. Identifying and eliminating the cause is ideal, but many times not possible for patients on specific medications. If a cause of dry mouth cannot be found, a thorough medical evaluation is necessary to rule out disease as the cause. Steps that you can take to help with dry mouth symptoms might include:
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Brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups.
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Fluoride and other rinses recommended by Trident General Dentistry.
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Avoid alcohol and tobacco products.
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Eat foods that promote salivary flow, such as carrots, celery, frozen fruits, and sour candies.
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Chew sugarless gum.
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Avoid salty, dry, and acidic foods and beverages.
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Use saliva substitutes.
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Stay hydrated with clean water each day.
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Prescription and over-the-counter saliva stimulants.
Schedule An Appointment
If you think you might have a persistent dry mouth, call for an appointment with Trident General Dentistry to discuss how we can help you manage your symptoms.