What is a dry mouth problem and what can you do about it?
Saliva is very important for your oral health and health problems can occur due to reduction in flow of saliva. Reduced flow of saliva can cause dry mouth and this is a very common condition with aged people. There can be various reasons for dry mouth and most of the times it is due to medications such as decongestants, diuretics, pain killers and antihistamines.
Dry mouth can be linked with different complications such as burning sensation, consistent sore throat, problems in swallowing, dry nasal passages and problem in speech. Soft tissues inside the mouth get irritated because of drying, which can cause inflammation and infection. Tooth decay and other oral health complication become more common without the saliva’s cleansing effects. So, your teeth can be damaged if you don’t treat your dry mouth condition.
Without enough saliva to grease your mouth, wash the food away and counteract the acids generated by plaque, you will experience extensive tooth decay. Your dentist in Pomona can suggest different methods for moisture restoration. Sugar-fee gum or candy activates the flow of saliva, and artificial saliva and oral rinses can replace the moisture.
A good dentist says there are some common causes of dry mouth and they are:
Some diseases such as Sjogrens syndrome, anemia, hypertension, cystic fibrosis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, epilepsy, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and Parkinson’s disease cause dry mouth condition
Side effects from some prescription and non-prescription drugs used for depression, allergies, acne, diarrhea, incontinence, anxiety and some psychotic disorders.
Damage caused to salivary gland due to chemotherapy and radiation used for cancer.
Nerve damage due to injuries to neck or head or surgery done in these areas
Tobacco chewing or smoking
Dehydration
Alcohol consumption
Reason for dry mouth in every individual may not be the same, though there are some signs that may be common in many cases. Along with sticky and dry feeling in mouth these will also include, throat dryness, burning sensation in tongue, recurrent thirst, red tongue, bad breath and sore throat.
Medicines normally having side effect of causing dry mouth include antidepressants, amphetamines and antihistamines. Substances such as heroine, hashish and marijuana may also be a cause for using the above mentioned drugs. Along with inconvenience and discomfort that comes with dry mouth, this condition increases the chances of getting gum diseases and other problems related to oral health according to the dentist in Pomona, these complications include tooth decay, gingivitis and mouth infections. Wearing dentures may also get uncomfortable because of dry mouth.
Drinking more water can help overcome dry mouth condition. If the condition occurs because of taking prescription medicines, tell this to our doctor and get it treated. Breathing though nose instead of mouth also can help in solving the problem of dry mouth.
Dentist Pomona – Visit Absecon Family Dental for all your dental needs, they offer general dentistry, implants, whitening, emergency services and more.
