Dry mouth is one of the most common oral problems that affect our patients. That's because so many things can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth, also called xerostomia or hyposalivation, is a condition that results from a critical shortage of saliva in the mouth. It's usually accompanied by symptoms such as burning sensations in the mouth, discomfiting feelings of dryness, cracked lips, etc. Dry mouth can result from an underlying health issue and can also give rise to more complex health issues. Read on to find out how best to mitigate the symptoms of dry mouth whenever you're confronting them.
The first thing you need to know about treating dry mouth is that certain treatments are better-suited to specific causes of dry mouth. But generally, a good treatment focuses first on the underlying health issue behind the dry mouth, and then on stimulating the saliva inflow both endogenously (from inside the body) and endogenously (from outside the body).
How Best to Mitigate Dry Mouth Symptoms
Water is your best weapon against dry mouth because it is the most readily available; the best gun for you is the one you have on you at any moment. You can diminish the symptoms by sipping water frequently to stay hydrated.
Also, certain medicines like antihistamines, antihypertensives, hormone medications, and bronchodilators are notorious for their dehydrating effects on the mouth. Talk to your doctor about mouth-friendly substitutes for these drugs. Caffeinated and alcoholic drinks as well as smoking can also exacerbate dry mouth.
Sucking on sugarless candies and chewing on sugarless gum can help stimulate saliva production and bring short-term relief to your dry mouth symptoms. You can also use homemade remedies like aloe vera, ginger, marshmallow roots, etc., as well as over-the-counter saliva substitutes.
Overall, you need to stick to high oral hygiene standards, including regular brushing and flossing, and, of course, regular appointments with our dentists. Call our office today to let us help you tackle your dry mouth from the root cause to manage your symptoms.
Dry mouth is one of the most common oral problems that affect our patients. That's because so many things can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth, also called xerostomia or hyposalivation, is a condition that results from a critical shortage of saliva in the mouth. It's usually accompanied by symptoms such as burning sensations in the mouth, discomfiting feelings of dryness, cracked lips, etc. Dry mouth can result from an underlying health issue and can also give rise to more complex health issues. Read on to find out how best to mitigate the symptoms of dry mouth whenever you're confronting them.