Dry Mouth
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DRY MOUTH
Dry Mouth Treatment Warrnambool
Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, refers to the condition in which the salivary glands in your mouth don’t make enough saliva maintain moisture in the mouth.
Dry mouth is often due to the side effect of certain medications or aging issues or as a result of radiation treatment for cancer.
Less often, dry mouth may be caused by a condition that directly affects the salivary glands.
To know the cause of your dry mouth, your Warrnambool dentist likely will review your medical history and all medication you’re taking, including over-the-counter medications, and examine your mouth.
Causes of Dry Mouth
Some of the causes of dry mouth are the following:
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Anxiety disorder
- Smoking
- Using marijuana
- Taking tranquilisers
- Exercising or playing under the heat
- Taking certain medications, including some antihistamines and appetite suppressants.
- Aging
- HIV/AIDS
- Snoring
- Parkinson’s disease
Symptoms of Dry Mouth
- Bad breath
- Lipstick sticking in the mouth
- More frequent gum disease
- More tooth decay and plaque
- Problem speaking
- Sticky saliva
- Sore throat
Treatment for Dry Mouth
The therapy depends on the cause of your dry mouth.
Your Warrnambool dentist may:
- Change medications that cause dry mouth
- Stimulation saliva production
- Preventing tooth decay
Your dentist may recommend using artificial saliva products. These products are available over-the-counter in a rinse or spray. Toothpaste, mouthwashes, and moisturising gels that are specially formulated for individuals with dry mouth are also available.
Here are some home remedies for dry mouth:
- Drink lots of water
- Suck on sugarless candies
- Improve overall oral care
- Use an alcohol-free mouthwash
- Chew sugarless gum
Avoid the following:
- Breathing through your mouth
- Smoking tobacco
- Dry foods
- Spicy foods
- Sugary foods and drinks
Alcohol consumption should be regulated or avoided altogether, and caffeine should be only be consumed in moderation.
Dry Mouth Treatment at Warrnambool Dental
Dry mouth treatments performed at Warrnambool Dental are easy, safe, and beneficial to our patients.
Warrnambool Dental serves local communities in Portland, Hamilton, Camperdown, Terang, Port Campbell, Colac, Timboon, Port Fairy, MacArthur, and Casterton.
Call us on (03) 5562 4433 or visit us at 454A Raglan Parade in Warrnambool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is xerostomia?
Usually, we all get a dry mouth when we are upset, under stress, or extremely frightened.
Some patients may think the dry mouth is a normal part of aging, but it is not. However, it is more commonly found in older adults.
What is xerostomia?
Usually, we all get a dry mouth when we are upset, under stress, or extremely frightened.
Some patients may think the dry mouth is a normal part of aging, but it is not. However, it is more commonly found in older adults.
What are the symptoms of dry mouth?
Why is saliva so important?
- Helps you digest food properly
- Protects you from tooth decay
- Helps fight against infections by controlling the amount of bacteria in the mouth