Cosmetic Dentist - Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Arizona including Phoenix, Scottsdale and Payson

Saliva is essential for keeping the mouth moist and clean, and for food digestion. It also helps to prevent infection by reducing oral bacteria and fungi. When saliva production is reduced the mouth becomes dry and feels uncomfortable.

When dry mouth persists, it can make chewing, eating, swallowing and even talking difficult. It also increases the risk for tooth decay because saliva helps keep harmful germs in check that would otherwise cause cavities and other oral infections.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

1. Dry mouth can be a side effect of many medications such as:
• Drugs for depression, pain, and anxiety
• Antihistamines and decongestants for allergies and colds
• Diuretics for hypertension
• Some bronchodilators for asthma
• Muscle relaxants and sedatives
• Many psychotic disorder drugs
• Medications for Parkinson's disease
• Many drugs for acne, obesity, diarrhea, epilepsy, nausea, and urinary incontinence
2. Some diseases and infections can cause dry mouth, such as:
• Sjögren's syndrome
• HIV/AIDS
• Alzheimer's disease
• Diabetes
• Anemia
• Cystic fibrosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Hypertension
• Parkinson's disease
• Stroke
• Mumps
3. Some medical treatments can damage the salivary glands and reduce their output:
• Radiation to the head or neck
• Chemotherapy
4. Nerve damage from an injury or surgery in the head or neck areas
5. Dehydration from blood loss, burn injuries, fever, vomiting, diarrhea or prolonged sweating
6. Some lifestyle habits such as tobacco use or chronic mouth breathing

Symptoms of Dry Mouth

A dry mouth feels sticky and burning and the lips may become cracked. The tongue may become red and raw. The throat will also feel dry, causing hoarseness, soreness and recurrent thirst, and the nasal passages become dry. You may also suffer from:

• Mouth sores
• Cracked skin at the corners of the mouth
• Problems with speech, chewing and swallowing
• A reduced sense of taste
• Bad breath

Problems Caused by Dry Mouth

When the mouth has insufficient saliva your risk of tooth decay is increased. Tooth decay can quickly cause gum disease if it is not treated. Gingivitis is the name for early gum disease and when not treated it will progress to Periodontitis, which is more severe.

Dry mouth also makes a person more susceptible to mouth infections such as thrush. It can also cause problems with dentures.

Dry Mouth Treatments

If you think that any medications you are taking might be giving you a dry mouth, talk to your doctor. He or she may adjust your dose or prescribe a different drug. You could ask for an oral rinse prescription to restore mouth moisture, or a prescription for a drug such as Salagen which will stimulate greater saliva production.

Tips For Dealing With Reduced Saliva

• Use sugar-free candy or chewing gum to stimulate more saliva flow;
• Drink lots of water;
• Use a fluoride toothpaste and fluoride rinse to help protect your teeth from decay;
• Breathe through your nose rather than your mouth, to reduce saliva evaporation;
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home;
• Avoid caffeine drinks, as caffeine has a drying effect on the mouth. That would include not just coffee and black tea, but also many soda drinks.
• Avoid spicy or salty foods as they can cause pain in a dry mouth;
• Use an over-the-counter saliva substitute.

If you feel extra-anxious at the idea of visiting a dentist, please see our page on Sedation Dentistry.

If you are battling a dry mouth and would like some help from a knowledgeable dentist, please call or email Winterholler Dentistry today for a personal consultation.