If you experience dry mouth, you know it can be annoying and sometimes troublesome. Dry mouth is an indicator of other oral health issues. Your Cincinnati, OH, dentists of Mt. Lookout Dentistry understand the causes offer treatments for dry mouth.
What is Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth is a term typically used to describe a person with little saliva. Not enough saliva in the mouth means a person can't keep their tongue and the roof of their mouth comfortable, even after drinking lots of liquids.
What are the Signs of Dry Mouth?
The leading indicator of dry mouth is a consistent feeling of never getting rid of the "cotton mouth" feel. When there isn't enough moisture, many symptoms manifest either consistently over time or may come and go, including:
- Burning sensations in the mouth and throat
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Problems chewing or swallowing food
When left untreated, chronic dry mouth can lead to more severe issues such as tooth decay, weakened enamel, and even painful sores on the tongue.
What Causes Dry Mouth?
Many things cause dryness in the mouth. You are more susceptible to this condition if you smoke or drink heavily because both will reduce saliva flow. Just one cigarette is enough to inhibit the saliva ducts.
Stress can cause a dry mouth as hormones in the body prepare a person for fight or flight.
Vitamin deficiencies or problems with breathing passages in your nose can also cause this issue, especially if you experience it on an ongoing basis. If you have chronic dry mouth, you should see your Cincinnati, OH, dentists for a proper diagnosis before treating yourself with remedies that may worsen the problem.
Ways to Prevent Dry Mouth
There are many ways to prevent dry mouth, including:
- Stop drinking alcohol, smoking, or vaping
- Stop chewing tobacco products
- Quit chewing the ends of pens, pencils, straws, or gum for extended periods
- Drink water often instead of caffeinated or sugary beverages
Your dentist may recommend dental products with xylitol or mint flavoring to help, depending on the cause and the severity of the issue. Once the dry mouth issue has been resolved, many people find several residual oral or nasal problems they were previously experiencing resolved naturally.
If you cannot resolve your dry mouth issues, or if they are chronically happening to you, contact your Cincinnati, OH, dentists at Mt. Lookout Dentistry for prompt treatment. Call them at (513) 871-2852 today for an appointment!