What is dry mouth?
Known medically as Xerostomia, dry mouth is a condition that results from the mouth not producing sufficient amounts of saliva to stay moist. Whilst to many saliva might seem like an insignificant part of bodily function, it comes with many responsibilities. Saliva is essential for keeping the mouth comfortable, protecting teeth health, assisting in chewing and swallowing, and preventing infections and injury.
So when saliva flow is reduced and dry mouth occurs, it can have a huge impact on daily life.
What function does saliva carry out?
- Keeps the mouth moist and feeling comfortable.
- Allows for safe swallowing of foods.
- Uses enzymes for the initial breakdown of food and begins the digestions process.
- Balances harmful pH levels caused by bacteria and acids.
- Protects teeth and gums from decay and disease, and remineralises enamel.
- Protects against infection and promotes faster healing of oral wounds.
- Allows the mouth to move freely to be able to speak.
- Helps tastebuds to perceive flavour.
Signs you have dry mouth
- A dry, sticky, or cotton-like feeling in the mouth
- Frequent thirst
- Thick, stringy saliva or little/no saliva
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- Dry or sore throat
- Burning sensation in the mouth or tongue
- Cracked lips or sores at the corners of the mouth
- Dry, rough, or swollen tongue
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Increased tooth decay, gum disease, or mouth infections
Causes of dry mouth
Dry mouth is not a one-size fits all condition, and there are many root causes. These are some of the causes, but is most definitely not an exhaustive list.
Medications (most common cause)
- Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications
- Antihistamines and decongestants
- Blood pressure medications
- Pain medications
- Muscle relaxants
Medical conditions
- Diabetes
- Sjögren’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Stroke
- Autoimmune diseases
Cancer treatment
- Radiation therapy to the head or neck
- Chemotherapy
Lifestyle factors
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Alcohol consumption
- Dehydration
- Breathing through the mouth (especially during sleep)
Nerve damage
- Injury or surgery that affects the nerves controlling the salivary glands
What to do if you think you are suffering from dry mouth
If you find you are experiencing the signs mentioned above and want to seek further answers about your dry mouth, it’s important to see a medical professional. Seeing a dentist is recommended for an overall view on your oral health and saliva flow, whilst seeing a doctor is useful to determine any underlying causes.
Can dry mouth be cured?
Whether dry mouth can be cured is totally dependent on the root cause. If caused by factors like medication or anxiety, it’s possible the dry mouth could eventually resolve itself. But with other causes such as Sjögren’s disease or radiotherapy side effects, dry mouth could be a lifelong condition.
It’s important to remember that even in cases when dry mouth cannot be cured, it can be relieved. There are a huge variety of products designed to relieve dry mouth in different ways, and as awareness of dry mouth grows, so do the options. This, combined with lifestyle changes, means that discomfort and impact can be reduced throughout daily life.
Experiencing dry mouth and not sure what products to try? Get in touch with us for our recommendations!
