Most people have dry mouth every once in a while, but if you have it most or all of the time it can lead to dental and general health problems. Dry mouth is also known as Xerostomia. Dry mouth is caused by not having enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Did you know that saliva is important because it: helps digest food, protects teeth from decay, prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth, and it makes it possible for you to chew and swallow your food.
Dry mouth can be caused by nerve damage to the head and neck, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, some diseases (AIDS/HIV, diabetes, & Parkinson's to name a few), and side effects of medications like blood pressure and anti-depressants. There are more than 400 medications that can cause dry mouth.
If you have dry mouth you can do some of the following:
-Sip water often
-Avoid drinks with caffeine in them
-Chew sugarless gums or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow
-Do not use tobacco or alcohol (they tend to dry the mouth out)
-Be aware of spicy or salty foods because they can cause pain
-Make sure you brush 2 times a day
-Floss every day
-Use toothpaste with fluoride in it
-Visit your dentist for a checkup at least twice a year
-Use Biotene products (great for aiding in dry mouth) found at your local pharmacy
Thanks,
Jessica Still
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