How Dry Mouth Occurs & What You Can Do About It

When your mouth feels oddly dry, it can be disconcerting. Even more so when you attempt to drink a bunch of water but still notice distinct dryness. Our Jackson, MI, dentists are familiar with the condition known as dry mouth and understand that it can be very bothersome for patients who experience it regularly.

Here’s how dry mouth can be identified, causes, and possible treatment options.

What Exactly Is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, describes a condition in which an individual’s salivary glands do not produce enough natural saliva to keep their mouth wet. Those who suffer from dry mouth know it to be uncomfortable and frustrating especially when a cause is not immediately obvious.

Generally, the onset of dry mouth is caused by:

Medications being taken
Aging
Cancer therapy
Dehydration
Sleeping with your mouth open
Nerve damage
Underlying health conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or more
Tobacco and alcohol use

A proper oral examination and a review of your full health history can help our dentists determine what is responsible for your dry mouth. We also recommend coming into our Jackson, MI, dental office to receive a teeth cleaning every 6 months to ensure your oral health is taken care of and your condition is not leading to additional issues.

Popular Symptoms Associated With Dry Mouth

There are several notable symptoms tied to dry mouth. These symptoms should not be ignored as prolonged dry mouth can increase your risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and mouth infections. It’s always best practice to see a professional for a second opinion, in this case our dentists, if something feels “off”.

Not having as much saliva may result in:

Dry or sticky feeling in your mouth
Thick or stringy saliva
Constant thirst
Noticeably bad breath
Difficulty chewing, speaking, or swallowing
Dry or sore throat (hoarseness)
Red, raw, or dry tongue

Sometimes symptoms can resolve themselves on their own through advised medication adjustments, increased hydration, or abstinence from tobacco or alcohol. Making teeth brushing a priority at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste can also help alleviate dry mouth.

What Can I Do to Help Dry Mouth?

No matter what caused the onset of your dry mouth, relief is just an appointment away. You do not have to figure out the reason behind your condition on your own. After all, the culprit could be any number of things. Prevent further oral complications by seeing our dentists as soon as you’re able.

Why Checkups Matter → Are Teeth Cleanings Really That Important?

Depending on your medical history, recommended treatment options can include prescription or over-the-counter mouth rinses, artificial saliva or moisturizers, and fluoride trays. Chewing sugar-free gum on your own can also help stimulate natural saliva production.

Be sure to let our dentists know if a certain treatment is not working. We will do our best to review your condition further and suggest alternative options. If a medication you’re taking is causing your dry mouth, please discuss this side effect with your general doctor.

Make an Appointment

You deserve relief from your dry mouth and our dentists in Jackson, MI, are here to help you feel better. Give The Dental Experience a call today at (517) 787-5367 to request an appointment and explore treatment options.

This blog post has been updated.