You get dry mouth when the salivary glands in the mouth don’t produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist.
This is often due to the side effects of medications, aging issues or as a result of radiation therapy for cancer.
To find out the causes of your dry mouth, your Wantirna South dentist will review your medical history and the medications you’re currently taking, including over-the-counter medicines, and physically examine your mouth.
Dry Mouth Causes
There are many factors to dry mouth. Some of the most common causes of dry mouth are:
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Anxiety disorder
- Smoking
- Taking tranquilisers
- Exercising
- Taking certain medications, such as some antihistamines and appetite suppressants
- Old age
- Snoring
Dry Mouth Symptoms
- Bad breath
- Lipstick sticking in the mouth
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Plaque
- Speech problems
- Sticky saliva
- Sore throat
Dry Mouth Treatment
The treatment depends on what causes your dry mouth.
Your Wantirna South dentist may:
- Change medications that may cause dry mouth
- Stimulate saliva production.
- Prevent tooth decay
- Suggest new oral hygiene routine
Your Wantirna South dentist may recommend using artificial saliva products.
These products are available over the counter in a rinse or spray form. Toothpaste, mouthwashes, and moisturising gels that are specially made for individuals with dry mouth are also available.
Here are home remedies for dry mouth:
- Drink plenty of water
- Suck on sugar-free candies
- Improve overall oral care routine
- Use an alcohol-free mouthwash
- Chew sugarless gum
Things to avoid:
- Breathing through the mouth
- Smoking and using other tobacco products
- Dry foods
- Spicy foods
- Sugary foods and beverages
If you have dry mouth, alcohol consumption should be kept to a minimum or avoided, and caffeine should be only be consumed in moderate amounts.
Dry Mouth Treatment in Wantirna South
Having dry mouth can be a very embarrassing (and unhealthy!) experience.
Find out how your Wantirna South dentist can help you at Dr Sachdeva’s dental clinic.
To learn more about our dry mouth treatments, ask your Wantirna South dentist.
Call us at (03) 9800 2338. We are located at 87 Stud Road in Wantirna South.