Why is dry mouth a problem for the health of your teeth and gums?
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common issue, particularly among our senior patients. Of course, persistent dry mouth is a bigger problem that may require expert care and treatment from our Clifton, NJ, dentist Dr. Anthony Pinadella. Are you dealing with dry mouth? If so, your dry mouth could be caused by,
- Medication side effects (common medications that can increase the risk for dry mouth include antihistamines, decongestants, high blood pressure medication, and antidepressants)
- Dehydration
- Mouth breathing
- Nasal congestion
- Health problems such as diabetes, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease
What happens with dry mouth?
Dry mouth isn’t just simply experiencing a parched, dry mouth. People with dry mouth may also deal with hoarseness, persistent sore throat, bad breath, oral sores, or trouble chewing or speaking. If you are dealing with these issues you could be dealing with dry mouth. Since the dry mouth is a sign of an underlying issue, it’s important to find out what’s going on.
How is dry mouth treated?
In order to treat dry mouth, our Clifton, NJ, general dentist will need to first figure out the root cause. That will include going through your current lifestyle and medication list to understand what might be causing your dry mouth and then making these necessary changes. Certain changes include,
- Eating foods with higher water content such as cucumbers or apples (stimulates salivary production)
- Chewing sugar-free gum throughout the day
- Consuming enough water every day and staying hydrated
- Using a humidifier in your home, particularly your bedroom
- Avoiding mouthwashes that contain alcohol
- Avoiding sugary, acidic, or drying foods
- Limiting or avoiding alcohol or caffeine
- Avoiding tobacco products including cigarettes
If symptoms still don’t improve with these changes, then our dental team may recommend a prescription medication that treats dry mouth by increasing salivary production. If your symptoms are severe, if you have certain preexisting health conditions or you develop tooth decay as a result, it’s a good idea to see our dental provider right away.
If you are dealing with dry mouth, our Clifton, NJ, family dentist Dr. Pinadella can help you determine what’s causing it and how to best treat it to prevent further complications. To schedule a consultation with the team at Pinadella Dental, call (973) 594-1050 today.