Dry Mouth
Dry Mouth
Consistent or chronic dry mouth is called xerostomia. Sometimes caused by certain medications or health conditions, it is when the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva.
Here Are Some Common Causes
- Dehydration. Drink your 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
- Exercise. Strenuous exercise and sports can reduce the amount of saliva from mouth breathing.
- Tobacco products. These reduce your salivary flow and destroys cavity-fighting antibodies.
- Alcohol. Excessive straight shots or even using alcohol-based mouthwash can leave the mouth dry.
- Drugs. Heroin, cocaine and amphetamines (including MDMA and ecstasy) can all lead to dry mouth.
- Hormones. Hormonal changes including estrogen loss.
- Age. Aw we age, the more likely our mouths will be drier.
- Prescriptions and medical treatments. Side effects from certain drugs or regimens can affect the amount of saliva produced.
- Asthma. Inhalers can also cause a drier mouth.
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
- Eating disorders. Starving and purging affect the teeth and saliva.
- Damage to the salivary gland
- HIV/AIDS
- Dementia. Simply forgetting to drink water.
To combat dry mouth, here are some suggestions:
- Drink enough water
- Brush and floss at least twice daily
- Eat regular, healthy meals
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks and smoking
- Avoid salty foods
- Use artificial saliva. Check with your local pharmacy
- Regular dental visits. If you think you have a problem, discuss it with your dental team.
