A reduction of saliva flow resulting in a dry mouth is a common dilemma, especially among older individuals.
Dry mouth is not only uncomfortable, but it can also cause tooth damage. Saliva is needed to keep the mouth lubricated, wash the food from teeth, and neutralize the acids that can cause plaque. Extensive cavities can occur in the absence of saliva for dental patients with chronic dry mouth.
Symptoms of dry mouth include:
- Dry, red, or grooved tongue
- Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- Sticky feeling in the mouth
- Saliva that seems thick and stringy
- Bad breath
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, and swallowing
- Changes in taste
- Difficulty wearing dentures (Mayo Clinic)
Contributing factors include medications and treatments, reduction in the body’s power to metabolize medication, chronic health dilemmas, and poor nutrition.
For example, chemotherapy medication can lower saliva production and radiation treatments to the head and neck can damage salivary glands, decreasing saliva production.
Other medical ailments include diabetes, stroke, or yeast infection in the mouth.
Decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and painkillers (all used extensively in Casper) are some of the medications that can lead to dry mouth.
It is common for allergy-prone Aspen Ridge Dental dental patients to complain of dry mouth when they start taking antihistamines during the hay fever season.
The following can also contribute to dry mouth:
- Snoring or breathing through the mouth
- Drinking alcohol
- Tobacco use (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco)
- Recreational drugs
If you are plagued with dry mouth, it’s vital to pay special attention to your dental health. The first step is to talk to a professional. Call Aspen Ridge Dental to schedule an appointment with Doctor Stuart Youmans.
Contact Aspen Ridge Dental:
307-234-6054
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1122 S Conwell St
Casper, Wyoming
82601
