Dry mouth (xerostomia) can not only be uncomfortable but can also cause changes to the way food tastes and increase the risk for tooth decay. It is caused by a decrease or total lack of salivary flow into the mouth. Saliva acts as the mouths natural cleansing mechanism which limits bacterial growth. It washes away food particles and neutralizes acids in the mouth. Common causes of dry mouth are a decrease in flow from the salivary glands caused by age, medication, or certain radiation cancer treatments. In rare cases, it can be caused by a syndrome affecting the salivary glands.
Signs that you may have dry mouth include:
Absence of Saliva (cotton mouth)
Thick saliva
Bad breath
Difficulty swallowing
What you can do if you have dry mouth:
Staying well hydrated with fluoridated water
Brushing with fluoride toothpaste
Using dry mouth rinse, gel, and spray (such as Biotene)
Using mints or gum containing xylitol
Avoiding mouth rinses with alcohol as this can cause further dry mouth
Using a humidifier while sleeping
Visit us tomorrow to learn more about Oral Cancer a new women’s dental health topic.
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