Dry Mouth – It’s Worse Than It Sounds

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a condition that can affect anyone and precipitate untold damage to your oral health. Many cases go untreated because sufferers think it’s only a minor annoyance, and not a legitimate medical complaint. However, even brief periods of reduced saliva production can significantly increase the growth of mouth bacteria and contribute to the onset of gum disease and tooth decay.

If you’ve had periods of dry mouth, come and see one of our friendly dentists at Docklands Dental Studio. If you live in South Melbourne, our office is only 5-10 minutes away by car or taxi. Just take Montague Street towards the city and then Wurundjeri Way. Call us today at (03)9021-9487 to make an appointment!

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The reason why dry mouth is so dangerous is because saliva production is absolutely critical to good oral health. It feels terrible when our mouths and mucous membranes are drier than usual, and for good cause. Saliva is the body’s most basic defense against mouth bacteria, and is needed on an ongoing basis to neutralize bacterial acids and flush them away. It also lubricates our mouths to enable speech and the consumption of food. It’s normal for saliva production to slow down when we sleep, but beyond that, any periods of dry mouth should be shared with your dentist of doctor.

Without ample saliva, bacteria may proliferate in the mouth, which can lead to gum infection (periodontitis) and tooth decay. Considering that gum disease is a condition with no cure, and is the number one cause of tooth loss, you really want to do everything you can to avoid bringing it upon yourself. The bacteria that infect gums have also been linked to heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and a number of cancers—all the more reason to keep gum disease at bay.

Symptoms of Dry Mouth

The most obvious symptom is a feeling of dryness in the mouth, which can lead to difficulty speaking and swallowing. You may also notice a tickle in your throat or an irritating cough. If you’ve ever found yourself unable to speak without constantly taking small sips of water, then you probably had a case of dry mouth. Of course, dehydration and nerves (think public speaking) can also temporarily cause the same symptoms.

Dry mouth can also lead to cases of oral candidiasis, also known as thrush. This yeast/fungal infection causes mouth lesions and disinct white patches, and can be very hard to beat. It may cause itching, burning, or a metallic or acidic taste in the mouth.

Causes of Dry Mouth

The most common cause of dry mouth is medication. There are at least 400 commonly used prescription and over-the-counter medicines that list dry mouth as a possible side effect, and every patient may have differing results. Even a medicine you have taken for years without incident can intermittently cause dry mouth, so always be aware.

Medical conditions are another cause, such as diabetes, thyroid problems, and hormonal changes. It’s estimated that about 30% of women and 50% of seniors will experience dry mouth, and even sporadic periods of xerostomia can trigger the onset of gum disease.

If you have a chronic health concern or take medication on an on-going basis, pay attention to your mouth’s moisture levels. Some patients do not even notice symptoms until they try to speak and find themselves uncomfortably dry. Talk to your dentist or doctor if you ever notice symptoms or dry mouth, as there are treatments you can keep on hand for those occasions when it happens to you.

Treatment of Dry Mouth

For mild cases of dry mouth, a simple DIY remedy is to chew sugarless gum. When it does not contain sugar (which encourages bacterial growth), gum is an excellent way to stimulate the production of saliva. Look for a gum that contains xylitol, when possible, as this natural sweetener is chemically different from other sugars and actually inhibits bacterial growth.

Healthy wet snacks such as celery, apples, and carrots may also be effective if you can’t get your hands on gum. Dry snacks may also cause you to salivate, but they also use up your saliva when moistening the food, so avoid crackers, chips, or breads. At the very least, take small sips of water when you notice your mouth becomes dry—this will keep your mouth better lubricated than nothing at all.

There are a number of dry mouth remedies available from your dentist or pharmacy that take a more aggressive approach, such as lozenges, gels, sprays and rinses. Several products have been designed to create artificial saliva when basic remedies don’t work. There are even prescriptions that work on a pharmacological level to stimulate your salivary glands.

Call us today at (03)9021-9487 for a six-month check up, or for more information on dry mouth. Docklands Dental Studio is conveniently located in the Victoria Harbour Precinct in Docklands, Melbourne. It is easy to get to us from Southbank by car (through the city or M1, then take Wurundjeri Way) or a 20 minute walk by foot.