We\u2019ve all had a little taste of dry mouth at some point in our lives \u2013 ever woken up with morning breath? That dry, sticky feeling and bad breath first thing in the morning are two common signs of temporary dry mouth (xerostomina) that occurs naturally when we sleep. Xerostomina is a condition in which the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth wet.<\/p>\n
Saliva plays an important role when it comes to your oral health: It helps prevent tooth decay by neutralizing acids produced by bacteria and washing away food particles. These actions help manage the number of bacteria and fungus that live in the mouth. Saliva makes chewing and swallowing easier, and it lubricates the tissues in the mouth to prevent ulcers and sores from frictional movements like eating and speaking. Saliva also contains enzymes that aid in breaking down food particles for digestion and re-mineralizing teeth.<\/p>\n
Xerostomina is not considered a disease in itself; it manifests as a symptom of an underlying cause or condition. Here is a list of the most common signs and symptoms of dry mouth:<\/p>\n
Dry mouth can be a temporary condition or a chronic issue, depending on its root cause. Xerostomina is attributed to the following causes:<\/p>\n
Dry mouth is not a natural part of the aging process, but the elderly are at much higher risk for developing it, largely due to the increased number of prescription medications they take. And elderly citizens with medical conditions such as Alzheimer\u2019s disease, history of stroke, and Parkinson\u2019s disease become dehydrated easily, which can increase the risk of developing dry mouth.<\/p>\n
If left untreated, xerostomina can result in a number of oral complications: chronic dry mouth can lead to oral thrush (a fungal infection), mouth sores and ulcers, cavities and tooth decay from a build-up of plaque and bacteria, gum disease, cracked lips, and split skin at the corners of the mouth. If you have difficulties chewing and swallowing due to xerostomina, it can affect your appetite, taste of food, and enjoyment of eating. Dry mouth can also lead to constant bad breath, which may cause feelings of self-consciousness in public.<\/p>\n
There are several treatment options available depending on the root cause of your dry mouth. Your dentist may tell you about a few of the following, and help you select the options which will work best for your needs:<\/p>\n
There are also several things you can do at home and day-to-day to reduce your risk of dry mouth. Limit your intake of caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and salty and sugary foods, which are all dehydrators. Sip water frequently throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated. Chew sugar-free gum or crunch on apples and carrots to stimulate saliva flow and wash away mouth bacteria. Add a humidifier in your house or office to keep moisture circulating in the air.<\/p>\n
If you are experiencing persistent dry mouth that is not relieved with at-home oral care, make an appointment to see your dentist today for a check-up. Regular dental examinations are crucial to ensure early detection and treatment for dry mouth, before you suffer tooth, gum, or mouth damage. Call 863-294-9200 and schedule a time to see Dr. Boyett today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We\u2019ve all had a little taste of dry mouth at some point in our lives \u2013 ever woken up with morning breath? That dry, sticky feeling and bad breath first thing in the morning are two common signs of temporary dry mouth (xerostomina) that occurs naturally when we sleep. Xerostomina is a condition in which […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3106,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n