Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes, Symptoms, and Impact on Oral Health
Have you ever experienced a dry, sticky feeling in your mouth that makes you struggle to swallow, chew, or even speak? Maybe you even have this dry feeling in your throat. Well, my friend, if you have all three, then there’s a high chance that you’re suffering from dry mouth. Let’s talk about what it is to have a better understanding of the symptoms and overall effects on our bodies.
What is Dry Mouth? Its Causes and How to Treat It.
A dry mouth, from the name itself, is a condition caused by a shortage of saliva to keep the mouth wet. Otherwise called xerostomia, this condition is caused by several things, such as the side effects of certain medicines, like those taken for anxiety, depression, pain relievers, antihistamines, and high blood pressure, to name a few.
On the natural side, aging could also be the culprit behind your dry mouth. Aside from the aforementioned, chemotherapy could also cause dry mouth since certain medicines used to treat cancer affect one’s saliva. In some cases, it could also be one of the symptoms of an underlying illness like Sjogren’s syndrome.
For those curious about this condition, here are some of the symptoms of dry mouth’s symptoms:
- Dryness in the mouth
- Pasty or sticky saliva
- Struggles with speaking, chewing, or swallowing
- Bad breath
- A grooved tongue
- Dry or sore throat
- Struggling with how to taste
- Difficulty in wearing dentures
These are just a few of its symptoms, and if you happen to check all of the aforementioned, then you probably have a dry mouth. Don’t worry, it’s not that uncommon, and if you do so, there’s a high chance you’ll also level up your smile; you just need to make a few adjustments. One of the easiest ways to do so is to drink more water and cut down on your caffeine and sugar intake. On the other hand, if you’re already experiencing it, two proven dry mouth reliefs are chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies.
Protect Your Smile and Improve Your Overall Oral Health.
Did your saliva actually play a crucial role in your overall oral health? It washes away food particles and sugar, which not only prevents tooth decay but also neutralizes certain bacteria in the mouth. If you’re looking for an easy fix, dry mouth relief with Xylimelts: Orien Dental Supplies, which is available for purchase over the counter in your leading drugstores. Generally speaking, dry mouth usually goes away on its own, but if it’s getting a little too hard to handle, then it’s best to consult with your doctor on what to do since it may be a symptom of some underlying disease.
If left untreated, dry mouth can cause bad breath or halitosis, cavities, gum problems, and even yeast infections. In addition to that, saliva also helps you taste through tasting, chewing, and swallowing, so if you’re unable to perform these simple acts, it could lead to indigestion.
In the case that your dry mouth still hasn’t improved despite adapting to a change in lifestyle while also taking oral relief, then it’s best to consult with your local doctor.