Chronic Dry Mouth Treatment
Dry mouth is something that millions of people suffer from throughout their lives. It can be caused by many things from not enough saliva in the mouth to some sort of ailment. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to help you overcome this problem. If it is not something that is life threatening there are ways to get it under control so you won’t have to worry about it affecting your speech or being a pain in the mouth.
Common Causes of dry mouth
There are several common causes for dry mouth. They include smoking, certain medications, sinus conditions, certain cosmetics, and aging. All of these can produce a dry condition that affects swallowing. Another common cause is dehydration. Dehydration can be caused by excessive alcohol, or certain beverages, alcohol, as certain medicines. These medications and beverages can produce a dry condition that includes irritation to the soft tissues of the mouth.
Another frequent cause is tooth decay and broken teeth, both of which can be caused by tobacco use. If you frequently consume tobacco products, it’s important to brush your teeth and floss regularly to prevent tooth decay and dental damage. Dry mouth is also a symptom of gum disease, which is characterized by inflammation of gums, and surrounding tissue, as well as by a loss of dentalamel.
Other health problems can also produce dry mouth syndrome. Sometimes jaw pain or tension can make it difficult to chew your food and can leave you with a dry sensation in your mouth. Stress can affect your mood, which can further restrict your ability to saliva and to properly digest your food.
Most people who have this common complaint are not taking in enough water and saliva production. This can exacerbate the problem by causing dry mouth, as well as tooth decay and inflammation of gums and tissues. In addition, it can be made worse by certain medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions. Some people are simply more prone to dehydration than others. Those who work in industries that require them to use coolants to prevent damage to electronics or heaters may be at higher risk.
Another cause of dryness is excessive consumption of caffeinated drinks, which contain caffeine and are known to contribute to dehydration. Other beverages that have high caffeine content include coffee and tea, sodas, energy drinks, chocolate, teas, coffees, and chocolates. Alcohol and certain prescription medications can also lead to dry mouth, as well as the consumption of high amounts of other foods that are rich in carbohydrates, such as white bread, pasta, rice, sugar, and candy. It is important to avoid these foods as much as possible.
Dry Mouth Side Effect Treatment
Treatment for dry mouth can be found at home as well as in the form of oral hygiene products.
Individuals should avoid breath mints and gum, as they can cause dryness of the mouth. They should also be sure to brush after eating, as well as floss regularly.
Individuals should try to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages as much as possible, as alcohol will cause additional dryness of the mouth.
Individuals should avoid foods and beverages that are high in sugar, such as sugary pastries, candies, juices, and sodas.
Individuals should also be sure to brush their teeth regularly and rinse their mouth with water after eating, to prevent dry mouth.Here are some treatment options:
– Anti-nausea meds. Certain anti-depressants may be causing dry mouth as one of the side effects. Some safe, natural home treatments to combat dry mouth with medications are drinking plenty of water and maintaining it in your bedside at all times. This method works well for those who sleep on their back because it causes high blood flow to the mouth area.
– Oral hygiene. Brush your teeth and have flossing done regularly. This helps prevent dry mouth and can reduce the occurrence of bad breath. The best time to brush your teeth is right after eating or drinking liquid, especially those with sugar. Flossing will remove any particles that could cause your throat to become irritated and sore throat infections are common with those who do not brush or floss.
– Oral hygiene products. There are many over-the-counter (OTC) treatment options available to reduce dry mouth and help prevent tooth decay. However, you should talk to your doctor before taking any of these over-the-counter medications. Many OTC mouthwash products contain alcohol; however, alcohol is not an effective treatment for tooth decay and oral infections. You can also try a natural oral rinse with sage, mint, or licorice for relief of dry mouth caused by various foods or other triggers.
– Maintaining proper dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing your teeth two to three times a day is recommended to reduce the incidence of cavities and dry mouth. Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under your gums. Using an oral irrigator regularly allows your dentist to remove excess saliva from between your teeth.
There are numerous over-the-counter medications available to treat dry mouth and some people find they’re more effective than other remedies. You should discuss your treatment options with your dentist. You may want to visit your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms: dry mouth, swollen or red gums, painful or unusual taste or odor, or if your teeth are sensitive and you’ve had difficulties brushing or flossing.
If your mouth is susceptible to the dryness or cracking of periodontal pockets and pits, you may be prone to gum infections. Periodontitis is a serious infection of the gums that can cause the pockets to crack and break open. This can result in tooth loss if not treated quickly. Visit your dentist as soon as possible to address this issue and start treatment for periodontitis.
In extreme cases, medication may be prescribed by your doctor. One common treatment for dry mouth is the use of a desensitizing medication. It blocks the receptors in your tongue and mouth so that they do not become overly sensitive to the dryness. These medications are only available by prescription and are not purchased over-the-counter. Before starting any type of medication, be sure to check with your doctor first. Also, discuss what you’ll be using the medication for – over-the-counter or with a dentist.
Many people prefer home treatment for dry mouth may not be caused by an underlying condition. The most common cause of dry mouth is over-drinking of liquids. For this cause, simply drinking water instead of coffee or tea can help balance your saliva production. Avoiding caffeinated beverages can also help balance saliva levels.
Over-the-counter medications are available to treat dry mouth, although your dental professional can provide stronger medications that will not irritate your gums. In addition, there are a variety of over-the-counter products available containing powerful dental pastes and mouth rinses. These products can be used to wash away leftover food particles that can lead to bad breath, plaque buildup, cavities, and other dental health issues.
If you have xerostomia, the inability to feel your oral tissues and saliva when you chew, the characteristic dry mouth feeling, you may have other health problems. Your dentist may need to do a special exam to rule out any serious dental issues, such as caries. In most cases, however, xerostomia is caused by dehydration, poor oral hygiene, or abnormally low saliva volumes. If you are suffering from the symptoms of dry mouth without having any other oral health issues, you can use over-the-counter medications or see your dentist for more aggressive treatment options.
If symptoms persist, a visit to a dentist may be necessary. The dentist can determine if there is an underlying cause for the dry mouth. If there is an underlying condition causing the dry mouth, treatment for the condition may be needed instead of using over-the-counter products. Some causes of dry mouth include allergies, cavities, dry skin, sinus infections, colds and flu, smoking, alcoholism, and even stress. Consultation with a dentist is important in determining the best treatment options available.