Experiencing issues with dry mouth is frustrating, annoying and downright uncomfortable, but we’ll tell you one thing – it isn’t rare! At Kellerman Dental, we see multiple patients dealing with dry mouth issues. Some patients think it’s just something they have to deal with and ‘just the way it is’ – not true!
Now, of course, when it comes to issues of the mouth, we must take a stand to educate and do what’s best for YOU – our patients. In many cases, the reason for issues with dry mouth stems from a medication being taken. Medications treating anxiety, depression, high blood pressure are common. Other factors that contribute to dry mouth are aging (darnit!), nerve damage, cancer therapy, autoimmune diseases and other chronic ailments.
Where we come in concerned is due to the fact that dry mouth can cause issues within the mouth and health of the teeth. It can contribute to an entire host of hygienic obstacles including, bad breath, mouth sores (inside and out), cracked lips, difficulty in tasting or chewing, dry, red tongue, among others. Because the glands are unable to produce an ample amount of saliva, presence of any or all of these symptoms can increase the chance for gingivitis, tooth decay or mouth infections. Additionally, it may present challenges in the ability to wear dentures.
The good news through much of this is the fact that there may be a solution to your specific battle with dry mouth. Specifically, the doctor prescribing any of your medications may be able to lower the dosage of your medicine or switch you to something comparable with less of an effect. Remember, they can’t help if they don’t know about it!
Other at-home or day-to-day remedies to dealing with dry mouth include: limiting caffeine intake (which increase dryness), chew sugar-free gum, stop any and all tobacco use (yes, do this!), add moisture to your room overnight with a humidifier, avoid OTC antihistamines that increase dryness, sip on water throughout the day, breathe through your nose – there are many, many options!
The most important point of providing you with this information is to remind you that something can be done! And it’s critical that something is done to treat this ongoing issue in order to avoid deeper problems from arising.
Not sure where to start? Just ask us. We’ve got an answer, suggestion and the concern for your well-being – and we’ve heard it before!
