1 September 2021

What is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth is a common yet complex condition which can affect oral health and quality of life. Whilst some individuals only experience mild discomfort as a result of reduced salivary flow, others may find it difficult to speak, chew, swallow and taste. Whilst it is normal to experience dry mouth when dehydrated, it is not normal to experience this on a regular basis. 

What Causes Dry Mouth?

Chronic dry mouth is often diagnosed as Xerostomia, which is a condition characterised by reduced or absent saliva flow. Around 10% of the population suffer from persistent dry mouth, and it is most common amongst the elderly. Whilst a wide range of medications can cause dry mouth, it can also be caused by lifestyle choices, diet, medical conditions and the natural ageing process. If you frequently experience dry mouth, you should consider booking an appointment with Rose Dental at your earliest convenience. Left untreated, dry mouth may lead to tooth decay and oral infections. In this blog post we will be sharing some insight into dry mouth and the importance of saliva.

Why is Saliva Important?

When the salivary glands are fully functional, they produce enough saliva to keep your mouth, throat and lips sufficiently lubricated. This helps to keep your mouth healthy, comfortable and free of infection. Saliva also helps to clear away any food particles which get stuck between your teeth, in addition to neutralising acid and aiding in the digestion process.

Reduction in saliva flow can increase the risk of developing tooth decay and gingivitis, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible and consult with your GP and dentist. 

Symptoms of Dry Mouth

When saliva production is reduced, individuals will typically notice the following signs:

  • Persistent bad breath
  • Oral fungal infection (yeast growth)
  • Dry, cracked lips
  • Dry mouth and tongue
  • Sore throat
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Tingling or burning sensation within/around the mouth
  • Difficulty chewing and/or swallowing food
  • Difficulties in speaking

What Causes Dry Mouth?

The causes of dry mouth can vary from person to person. They may be short-term or long-term, and in some cases careful management will be necessary to prevent these symptoms adversely impacting your oral health and quality of life. Some common causes include:

  • Medication – both prescription and over the counter medications are known to contribute to dry mouth. These include antidepressants, blood pressure medications, antihistamines, sedatives, pain killers and even asthma puffers. It is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor if you suspect that the medication you are taking could be a contributing factor to your dry mouth.
  • Dehydration – is a very common cause of dry mouth. Adults should consume a minimum of 2 litres of water daily to stay adequately hydrated. If you are dehydrated, you may notice your saliva start to thicken along with the sensation of dry mouth. You will need to drink more water if you do any exercises causing you sweat, such as running or workouts.
  • Bacterial Infection – Sometimes the salivary glands and ducts become inflamed, blocked and restricted due to bacterial or viral infection.
  • Diseases/Health Conditions – Those who have been diagnosed with diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, AIDS, cerebral palsy, lupus and other autoimmune diseases may experience dry mouth.
  • Injury – Salivary glands can be damaged in the event of a head or neck injury.
  • Smoking Tobacco – those who smoke are at a higher risk of experiencing dry mouth due to the toxic chemicals deposited in and around the mouth by tobacco smoke.
  • Lifestyle – drinking many cups of coffee or black tee during the day could cause you to experience dry mouth.
  • Stress – is another factor that can cause short term dry mouth.

Treatment for Dry Mouth

Treatment options will vary depending on the cause of your condition. You may notice a significant improvement after making some simple changes to your lifestyle and diet. For more chronic conditions, you may wish to discuss dry mouth with your dentist so they will be able to investigate for severity of the condition and underling medical condition. Dentist may need to assess your saliva by doing a test or refer you for a blood test.

 Your dentist may introduce some products (such as artificial saliva substitutes) in severe cases. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to restore salivary gland function.

Book an Appointment at Rose Dental Today

If you are concerned about dry mouth, please contact Rose Dental on (02) 8056 1445 to book an appointment. We’re your local Five Dock dentist, and we look forward to seeing you soon.