Do you have a constant feeling of dryness in your mouth? Are you troubled eating or speaking because of insufficient saliva in your mouth? If yes, you may be suffering from a condition called dry mouth. Unfortunately, dry mouth is quite a prevalent condition in the UK. According to the NHS, one in every four British adults suffers from dry mouth. If you want to know more about what causes dry mouth and its treatment, this blog is for you.
Continue reading until the end to learn everything you need to know about this condition.
What Is “Dry Mouth”?
According to the American Dental Association, dry mouth, also known as Xerostomia, is a condition characterised by the feeling of dryness in the mouth. Dry mouth can occur for various reasons, and it isn’t always an indication of an underlying serious condition.
Why Am I Experiencing Dry Mouth All Of A Sudden?
A sudden feeling of dryness in the mouth could be due to various reasons, such as dehydration, mouth breathing while sleeping, and certain medications. Besides, it could also be due to various underlying conditions such as diabetes and salivary gland disorders.
What Is The Difference Between Dry Mouth And Xerostomia?
Both dry mouth and xerostomia refer to the same thing. Xerostomia is the scientific term dentists and doctors use to describe the feeling of dryness in the mouth. So, dry mouth is a “layman” term, while xerostomia is the scientific name for this condition.
How Does Ageing Contribute To Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)?
The likelihood of xerostomia increases with age. Research statistics show that over 30% of adults over 65 and 40% over 80 years suffer from this condition. However, according to the US National Institutes of Health, the risk of xerostomia doesn’t increase directly because of ageing. Instead, it is linked to an increased risk of systemic conditions that affect salivary production or flow with age. Moreover, the elderly are more likely to take various medications that can cause dry mouth as a side effect.
What Can I Do About Dry Mouth Caused By Medication?
As mentioned earlier, dry mouth can also be caused due to various medications. If you’re feeling dry mouth after taking a new medication, it is most likely a side effect of the medicine. In such cases, your dentist will discuss with your general practitioner so that they can advise you on an alternative medication. In most cases, dry mouth condition goes away as soon as the causative medication is discontinued. However, if left untreated, it can cause various complications including tooth pain and detnal cavities.
What Are The Best Foods And Remedies For Dry Mouth?
There are a few things people with dry mouth can do to ease the condition.
- Hydration – This is one of the effective ways to offset dry mouth. Sipping water throughout the day helps keep the mouth moist.
- Sugar-free Chewing Gum – Did you know that eating a chewing gum helps stimulate the salivary glands? As a result, the flow and production of the saliva are enhanced. However, one should chew a sugar-free gum because sugar-containing gums can increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Soft Diet – Soft, moist foods such as stews, scrambled eggs, and soups are easier to eat with a dry mouth.
- Artificial Saliva – Saliva substitutes are easily available in the market and can be used to keep the mouth moist.
These measures will only provide symptomatic relief. For comprehensive treatment, the underlying issue should be diagnosed or treated by a healthcare practitioner.
What Is The Link Between Dry Mouth And Bad Breath?
One of the major roles of saliva, besides keeping our mouths moist and aiding in chewing/digestion, is that it keeps the mouth clean. Saliva constantly flows in the mouth and provides a bathing and cleansing action, thereby helping maintain good oral hygiene. In patients with xerostomia, this bathing action is affected, and plaque or tartar deposits begin to form on the teeth. Over time, degradation of the adhered food particles results in a bad odour, resulting in bad breath and gum disease. This is why people suffering from dry mouth often complain of oral malodor.
How To Treat Dry Mouth?
The treatment of dry mouth mainly depends on identifying and treating the underlying issue. Dry mouth can occur due to two reasons: due to reduced salivary flow (blockade) or its production. Your dentist will perform a detailed clinical examination to ascertain the underlying cause.
If your dentist feels that your dry mouth is due to a non-dental reason, they will refer you to your family doctor. Some of the non-dental reasons for dry mouth include:
- Certain medications
- Systemic illnesses such as diabetes or Sjögren’s syndrome
- Salivary blockade due to stones in the salivary duct
- Physical damage to the salivary glands due to trauma or radiation
- Salivary gland tumours
If the dry mouth is due to a medication, your doctor will replace it with another one. On the other hand, if the problem is due to salivary duct blockade, they will consider various surgical or non-surgical options to remove the stone and relieve the pain. Finally, if it is due to a tumour, your dentist will consult with a maxillofacial surgeon to remove it.
If you or a loved one is experiencing dry mouth, they shouldn’t take this condition lightly and visit a dentist immediately. If you live in Essex, you should visit Harrow Dental Practice and Dental Implant Centre for all your dental concerns. We provide high-quality dental services at affordable prices and under one roof. Click here to make an enquiry. We look forward to serving you.