Why My Mouth Is Dry? 4 things to know
If your salivary glands are not working properly, you may be suffering from xerostomia (dry mouth).
According to the American Dental Association, up to 500 different medications can cause xerostomia.
Examples of these medications include blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, antihistamines, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Additionally, some medical conditions, including anxiety, stress, cancer therapy, and certain autoimmune disorders, can cause dehydration in the mouth.
Treatment for dry mouth
To treat dry mouth, you can start by avoiding certain foods or beverages that dries out the mouth. Also, try to limit the amount of alcohol or tobacco that you consume.
To add moisture to the room, use a humidifier, or place one by your bed.
If your mouth feels dry, you can also take OTC antihistamines or decongestants.
However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before you change your medication.
The main goal of dry mouth treatment is to treat the underlying cause of the problem.
If medications are the cause, your doctor can prescribe alternative medications or work with you to find an alternative.
Medical conditions can also lead to dry mouths, such as kidney or liver failure, and can damage the salivary glands permanently.
It is also important to get a dental checkup every six months to monitor the condition.
However, even if medications aren’t the culprit, there are many other ways to treat dry mouth.
Possible causes
The main causes of dry mouth are several different diseases. Certain lifestyle habits may also contribute to the problem.
Alcohol and smoking, both of which are considered bad for health, can reduce the production of saliva. Sugar-free gum and candy may also help.
These habits can result in dry mouth, so it’s important to avoid them whenever possible.
Listed below are some other possible causes of dry mouth and ways to alleviate them.
In the event that you are suffering from this problem, consult your doctor for a thorough examination.
One of the easiest and most obvious causes of dry mouth is dehydration.
Fortunately, the solution is simple. Drinking water helps you maintain a healthy weight, increases your energy level, and promotes better concentration and focus.
You may also want to consider purchasing a humidifier for your room or bedside.
If you must take certain medications for dry mouth, talk to your doctor about how much you should be taking. Ask him to adjust your dosage or prescribe an alternative.
Side effects
One of the most common health problems associated with aging is dry mouth. Without saliva, bacteria can grow and cause cavities.
Saliva protects your teeth from damage by neutralizing acids produced by bacteria and washing away food debris. It also protects the tooth enamel by coating and stabilizing the acid on the surface of the teeth.
If you don’t have enough saliva, you’re more likely to develop cavities, even as an adult.
Hundreds of prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause dry mouth, including antihistamines and decongestants.
Some of these medications are used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and anxiety, among other things.
Other long-term health issues can also cause dry mouths, such as smoking, chewing tobacco, or autoimmune diseases.
However, there is no one known cause for this symptom. Nonetheless, identifying the cause of dry mouth is essential.
Prevention
One of the easiest ways to prevent dry mouth is to limit the things you eat.
Alcohol and caffeine, which are known to dry the mouth, should be avoided.
Chewing sugarless gum can also be helpful as it stimulates salivary glands.
Using a humidifier in your room or a water bottle filled with water can also be beneficial.
And finally, take a prescription toothpaste that is rich in calcium, phosphate, and fluoride.
As a general rule, alcohol and certain medicines are known to cause dry mouth.
However, some medicines may cause dry mouth and your doctor can change the dosage or switch you to another medicine that will have less drying effects.
Other medications that can cause dry mouth include antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and sedatives.
To combat dry mouth, try to drink at least eight to twelve glasses of water a day. And finally, drink milk with meals.
