Dry Mouth Syndrome Causes & Treatment
Do you ever feel like your mouth and The Sahara Desert have something in common?
If so, you are not alone. Over 25 million Americans suffer from dry mouth. And it's not just the discomfort of dry mouth (called “xerostomia” by dentists) that is the problem. Dry mouth is often accompanied by:
- Trouble chewing and swallowing
- Difficulty speaking
- Increase in dental cavities and gum disease
- Bad breath
So why do many of us have what is often referred to as “cottonmouth”?
According to The Food and Drug Administration, over 400 medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can lead to dry mouth. It’s also caused by mouth breathing, dehydration, and lack of salivary flow due to aging. In rare instances, dry mouth may be caused by an underlying serious disease- so it’s not something to take lightly.
Excessive alcohol and smoking are among the leading causes of dry mouth as well. If you need another reason to put away the cigarettes for good and cut down on the booze, now is a great time!
How to reduce the symptoms of dry mouth:
- Chew a sugar-free gum containing Xylitol
- Drink plenty of water
- Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth (easier said than done!)
- Frequent brushing and rinsing with fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse
- Using a room vaporizer to humidify the air in your home
- Using an over-the-counter saliva substitute
Since dry mouth can also be a sign of a serious illness AND cause an increase in cavities and gum disease, excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits are a must. Your health is important to us, that's why we have friendly staff and technology to help you!
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call your Madison Dentists immediately at 608-274-1911.
