If your mouth regularly feels like a desert, you are not alone. Dry mouth, a condition also known as xerostomia, is a common ailment among adults. Dry mouth can not only feel uncomfortable but also have a negative impact on your oral health. Today, we want to help you understand dry mouth a little better by explaining its causes and how to ease your discomfort if you suffer from this condition.
What Causes My Dry Mouth?
There are several reasons why your mouth feels dry. In some cases, it might just mean you are dehydrated and need to increase your water intake. In other cases, dry mouth is a symptom of an underlying medical condition or a vitamin deficiency, or a side effect of certain medications.
Why Is Dry Mouth Bad for My Oral Health?
For some people, dry mouth goes beyond just an uncomfortable feeling. Under normal conditions, your salivary glands keep your mouth moist, which helps prevent tooth decay. A dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay and bad breath, as well as other oral health issues. Dry mouth can cause mouth sores, cracked skin, and problems with eating and swallowing.
How Can I Avoid Dry Mouth?
We all get a dry mouth sometimes, generally when we are stressed or nervous. In a pinch, try drinking some water to restore your body’s natural moisture. For more persistent cases, you may want to consider a mouth spray. One option is a dry mouth spray called Lubricity®, which is a saliva substitute that provides a soothing, moist feeling for people experiencing dry mouth.
If you frequently experience dry mouth, bring it up during your next visit to our office and we can work with you to come up with a solution. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
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