Explaining Dry Mouth & Its Causes | Yorkshire Dental Suite

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What is dry mouth? Dry mouth (also known as Xerostomia) occurs when there isn’t enough saliva present in the mouth to keep it wet. It is not just a sign of dehydration – it may indicate that there is an underlying health issue present.

What does dry mouth feel like?

Dry mouth can usually be identified by a feeling of stickiness. Other symptoms of dry mouth include thick, stringy saliva, bad breath, tingling or burning sensations and feeling thirsty. Some also list having difficulties when chewing and swallowing. Please note that these symptoms may be temporary or long-lasting.

What are the causes of dry mouth?

There are many causes to be aware of:

Dehydration: Not drinking enough water, sweating excessively or feeling unwell is a common contributing factor.
Medications: Certain medicines list dry mouth as a side effect. Examples include antihistamines and antidepressants.
Ageing: It’s not just your teeth that is affected by ageing. Some studies suggest that ageing affects the salivary glands and alters saliva production.
Mouth breathing: This strips moisture from the gums and tissues in your mouth which, as a result, leads to dry mouth.
Tobacco: The nicotine present in tobacco products is recognised to minimise the secretion of saliva.
Alcohol: Similar to tobacco, alcohol reduces the flow of saliva.
Cancer treatment: Radiation therapy and chemotherapy that treats the head and neck area has the ability to prompt dry mouth.
Anxiety: Physical sensations associated with anxiety include dry mouth.
Underlying health conditions: This lack of saliva is commonly caused by health conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

Dental effects of dry mouth

A lack of saliva in the mouth can lead to numerous oral health issues that may require the assistance of a dental professional if left untreated. How? Well, saliva plays a significant role in helping to protect teeth against bacteria. It also lubricates the mouth, which aids swallowing and digestion as a result. When there isn’t enough saliva present to fight harmful bacteria, there is an increased risk of tooth decay, cavities and gum disease. The formation of yeast infections and painful mouth ulcers also become more likely. Finally, tooth dehydration caused by a lack of saliva leads to white spots appearing across your smile.

What treatments are recommended for dry mouth?

There are prescription toothpastes, tooth gels and mouth rinses available. Please consult with your doctor about your dry mouth symptoms; if it is caused by a medication you are currently on, they are able to change the dosage. Your doctor will also be able to provide items such as saliva production simulators and lozenges. There are many things to consider incorporating into your everyday routine:

Drink plenty of cold water to stay hydrated
Limit your intake of tobacco, caffeine and alcohol
Add moisture to the air with a humidifier
Try breathing through your nose if possible
Keep your lips hydrated with a high-quality lip balm
Chew sugar-free gum and suck on sugar-free sweets – this will help to produce saliva

So, does xerostomia go away? Dry mouth symptoms is manageable with treatment and, in some cases, can go away. It may just require trying different methods and seeing what works best for you. Conclusion: For many, dry mouth is a result of dehydration. For others, it is a result of underlying health problems and factors that cannot be controlled, such as ageing. If you find that your dry mouth has contributed to poor oral health, do not hesitate to contact Yorkshire Dental Suite. We will provide you with the treatment you need to restore your once strong, confident smile.