What Living With Dry Mouth Really Is Like

Dryness of the mouth is often caused by the inability of the salivary glands to produce an adequate amount of saliva which is required to keep the mouth wet. This is a common condition amongst aged people but can also be suffered by young individuals. Young individuals suffer from dry mouth due to medications, use of some intoxicating drugs (methamphetamine and marijuana), intake of tobacco, etc. Dryness of the mouth often leads to tooth decay due to the lack of saliva which is needed for the protection of the teeth.

Symptoms of Dry Mouth

Asides from the absence of an adequate amount of saliva being present in the mouth so other symptoms that can be caused are

• bad breath
• dry and cracked lips
• dry and grooved tongue
• difficulty chewing and swallowing
• think and stringy saliva
• sore throat

Causes of Dry Mouth

• Aging: Dryness of the mouth is experienced at old age due to the depreciation in the functionality of the human body parts as one gets older. The salivary glands tend to grow weaker because of the inability of the body to properly process certain medications and inadequate nutrition thereby producing a lesser amount of saliva than required.
• Nerve damage:  the facial nerves control the functionality of the salivary glands. Injury or surgical damage to the head or the nerve can lead to dryness of the mouth.
• Saliva glands blockage: blockage of the saliva ducts by tiny stones made from saliva minerals can cause dry mouth.
• Drugs and medications: the dry mouth is a known side effect for hundreds of drugs and medications (legal and illegal). High blood pressure anxiety medications, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, pain relief medications, marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine are a few. Chemotherapy drugs can temporarily affect the amount of saliva produced in the mouth.
• Other health conditions: health conditions like diabetes, stroke, HIV/AIDS, cerebral palsy, yeast infection in the mouth can cause dry mouth.

Intake of alcohol and use of tobacco can also result in dry mouth.

Remedies For Dry Mouth

• Use of dental products: these are products that contain high fluoride or calcium. They are used to prevent tooth decay
• Medicine change: if your dry mouth is because of the use of a particular medicine, a different dose without such side effects can be prescribed by the doctor.
• Saliva substitute: an artificial saliva substitute can be used with the directions of a dentist.
• Surgery: blockage of the salivary glands can be treated with minor surgery.
• Dry mouth products: these are products that may be used in treating dry mouth. Toothpaste, mouthwash, gums, and tropical gels are known to ease dry mouth.

Tips To Deal With Dry Mouth

•  Avoid the use and intake of substances that increase the dryness of the mouth.
• Avoid the intake of substances that can cause damage to the mouth.
• Drink plenty of water often.
• Seek the assistance of a dentist.

Conclusion

A dry mouth is a condition that can be remedied with the right treatment.  This is why it is important for you to contact a dentist five dock if you are suffering from any of the symptoms listed above.