In most instances, dry mouth is nothing to worry about, as most people, at least once in their lifetime, have suffered from it. If dry mouth persists, becoming chronic, you have a reason to worry. You will have to make an appointment with a Pearland dentist to have the condition looked at and treated.
If you neglect the signs of dry mouth, passing it off as nothing, you will have to deal with bad breath, scratchy throat, and awful taste in your mouth. Worst symptom of bad breath is tooth decay, as your mouth is unable to produce adequate amounts of saliva to combat dry mouth, meaning the bacteria in your mouth will stay.
Sometimes, prescription medications can lead to dry mouth as well. If you suspect prescription meds as the cause, ask your doctor to change it. Most importantly, never take signs of dry mouth lightly, but visit a Pearland dentist immediately.
Effects of Dry Mouth
The person will face difficult in chewing, tasting, speaking, and swallowing
- The person will have an increased probability of developing dental decay and infections in their mouth
- The person’s condition may be due to a medical treatment or medication
Do not have the false perception of thinking dry mouth is a normal and natural part of aging, as it is not. If you have dry mouth, you need to get it treated.
Do You Have Dry Mouth?—Symptoms
- The back of your mouth feels dry and sticky
- You cannot chew, taste, speak, or swallow properly
- You feel like your mouth is on fire, as you feel a burning feeling inside
- Your throat is unusually dry
- Your lips are cracked
- Your tongue is rough
- You have mouth sores
- You have an infection in your mouth
The abovementioned symptoms all point towards a dry mouth. Your mouth’s inability to generate saliva has caused this condition to develop.
The Importance of Saliva
- Assists you digest food
- Offers protection to your teeth from tooth decay
- Prevents the development of infection by regulating fungi and bacteria in your mouth
- Assists your chew and swallow properly
Without saliva, infections will develop and you will not get the proper amounts of nutrients either, as you will find it difficult to chew and swallow certain types of food.
How Can Your Dentist Treat Your Dry Mouth Condition?
- If your salivary glands are not producing sufficient amounts of saliva, your dentist will give you medicine to improve the functioning of the glands.
- Your dentist will also advise you to use artificial saliva to keep your mouth from going dry.
What Can You Do?
- Drink water and drinks without sugar
- Do not drink tea, coffee, and sodas
- Sip water during meals to help you chew and swallow
- Eat sugarless candy or gum to help increase the flow of saliva
- Do not drink alcohol or use tobacco
- Avoid eating spicy and salty food
- At night, use a humidifier
If you suspect your have dry mouth, come over to Pearland Family Dentistry to have one of our dentists have a look at the problem.