Addressing Dry Mouth Issues: What You Need to Know?

Saliva not only helps in digestion but also is equally important to keep your mouth moist. Saliva contains natural enzymes that aid in digestion, makes the food easier to swallow, and cleanses the mouth naturally.

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a disorder of the salivary glands that hinders the production and secretion of sufficient saliva to hydrate the mouth. Various medical, as well as peripheral reasons, might inhibit the production of adequate saliva.

Saliva is clinically proven to prevent tooth decay by neutralizing the acids produced in your mouth by bacterial activity on your teeth. Saliva can also keep your mouth clean naturally by washing away residual food particles and inhibiting further bacterial action.

Causes

Several factors can contribute to decreased saliva levels in your mouth, but the issue should not be ignored. The mouth is often known as the mirror of the body. The dry mouth might denote some internal disorder too.

The primary reason for less secretion of saliva is due to the under-secretion by the salivary glands. Hormonal activities control the salivary glands, and any nerve disorder might reduce the flow of saliva. Surgery or injury to the nerve ends might cause dry mouth.

Consumption of alcohol and tobacco is another reason for dry mouth. Smoking and chewing tobacco can increase bacterial activity in your oral cavity and reduce the concentration of saliva.

Aging can contribute to various health issues, including dry mouth. Inadequate nutrition, coupled with the body’s inability to cope with the degradation of vitality, can cause dry mouth. Even an unhealthy lifestyle, junk foods, insufficient sleep, stress, and anxiety might also cause dry mouth.

Reasons

Dry mouth can be the side effect of several medications, both by prescription or non-prescription drugs. Pain killers, anti-depressants, and medicines for treating allergies, cold, obesity, epilepsy, diarrhea, hypertension, asthma, psychotic disorders, and urinary inconsistency might be the reason for your dry mouth.

Apart from the treatment for specific medical conditions, particular disease as HIV, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, anemia, Parkinson’s disease, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and mumps can also cause dry mouth.

Surgical removal of the salivary glands can be the reason for the permanent stoppage of the secretion of saliva. Chemotherapy and drugs to contain cancer can alter the amount and nature of saliva produced. Exposure to radiation of the head and neck can affect the salivary glands adversely.

Even recreational drug or methamphetamine consumption can damage your teeth and cause a condition known as “meth mouth.” Marijuana also hinders the synthesis and secretion of saliva.

Solutions

A hygienic oral cavity can help in a better section of saliva and can avoid dry mouth. Brushing twice a day and using a mild mouth wash can reduce bacterial activity. Dry mouth can also cause bad breath due to the non-cleaning of the mouth by saliva.

To treat dry mouth, you should start by identifying the reason contributing to dry mouth. The doctor might be able to guide and assist accordingly. You might need to change the medication for ailments to reduce dry mouth. Your doctor might adjust the dose. Rifle dentists can do dry mouth treatment.

The doctor might prescribe an oral rinse to keep the mouth hydrated. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and using a room vaporizer to hydrate your room air can be another way to keep the mouth hydrated.

Reducing stress, anxiety, and hypertension can also help in the proper functionality of the salivary gland. You can also try using an over-the-counter artificial saliva substitute. Chewing a sugar-free candy or chewing-gum can help.

You can also visit Rifle Dental Care for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for dry mouth. With bilingual staff and a pool of experienced doctors, you can get the best available treatment.

Home Remedies for Dry Mouth

Drinking plenty of water to hydrate the body can help fight dry mouth. Limiting the intake of caffeine can reduce dry mouth. Alcohol-based mouthwashes should be avoided as it can dry your mouth. Chewing and consumption of tobacco should be avoided.

Breathing through your nose only can help to reduce drying your mouth. Aloe vera, ginger, basil leaves, hollyhock root, nopal cactus, and marshmallow root can stimulate the production of saliva, and keep the mouth hydrated. You can start consuming them for dealing with dry mouth.