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:
- Use of drugs or medication
- Dehydration or not drinking enough fluids throughout the day.
- Breathing through the mouth instead of through the nose.
- Diseased salivary glands like Sjogren’s syndrome or other auto immune disorders.
- An infection or obstruction in the salivary glands or ducts leading the saliva to the mouth.
- Nerve problems.
- 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:
- A rough, dry tongue that tends to stick to the roof of the mouth or cheeks.
- A burning sensation in the mouth or on the tongue.
- Loss of food taste as a result from the loss of papillae on the tongue.
- Problems with speaking, chewing or swallowing especially dry food like biscuits.
- Saliva that feels thick or stringy and loss of the moisture in the mouth.
- Dry and cracked lips.
- Bad breath .
- Increased risk for tooth decay
- Susceptibility to oral thrush infections
- 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.