What are the reasons for a dry mouth?

A dry mouth usually can point to  an underlying problem, rather than a disease in itself. There can be several reason for it which may include:

1. Use of drugs or medication
2. Dehydration or not drinking enough fluids throughout the day.
3. Breathing through the mouth instead of through the nose.
4. Diseased salivary glands like Sjogren’s syndrome or other auto immune disorders.
5. An infection or obstruction in the salivary glands or ducts leading the saliva to the mouth.
6. Nerve problems.
7. As an outcome of cancer treatments.

Even if the there are multiple reasons for the dryness in the mouth the outcomes of lack of saliva are the same:

1. A rough, dry tongue that tends to stick to the roof of the mouth or cheeks.
2. A burning sensation in the mouth or on the tongue.
3. Loss of food taste as a result from the loss of papillae on the tongue.
4. Problems with speaking, chewing or swallowing especially dry food like biscuits.
5. Saliva that feels thick or stringy and loss of the moisture in the mouth.
6. Dry and cracked lips.
7. Bad breath .
8. Increased  risk for tooth decay
9.  Susceptibility to oral thrush infections
10. If you have dentures they become loose.

To help with a dry mouth there are several solutions that depend on the source of dryness. As part of my assessment I check for the signs of mouth dryness and provide the right solutions. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to make an appointment so I can provide you with the advice appropriate to you.