Do you feel like you have cotton in your mouth constantly? Everyone’s mouth is dry sometimes, but if you have consistent dry mouth, you shouldn’t delay treatment.
Dry mouth, known medically as xerostomia, occurs when you don’t have enough saliva in your mouth. This can be caused by several factors, including:
- Stress
- Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation of the head or neck
- Hormone changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause
- Health problems, such as HIV/AIDS and diabetes
- Snoring or open-mouthed breathing
Dry mouth may make it difficult to speak, chew, swallow, and may alter the taste of your food. It can also cause a sore throat, hoarseness, and bad breath. Most seriously, however, dry mouth can lead to tooth decay. Your saliva helps to re-strengthen your tooth enamel after eating and drinking, so a lack of saliva can result in weaker tooth enamel, which can lead to tooth decay.
If you suffer from dry mouth, try the following:
- Sip water or sugarless drinks, or suck (don’t bite) on ice chips.
- Avoid irritants, such as alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. Remember that caffeine is found in most sodas, as well as in coffee and tea.
- Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candy.
- Avoid salty and spicy foods.
- Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night.
- Consider using saliva substitutes.
Dr. Amanda Foust of Dental Impressions of Ankeny provides dental care to families with numerous dental and oral conditions at her comfortable dental office Ankeny, Iowa. Call (515) 965-0230 to schedule an appointment if your dry mouth symptoms persist.
