When you consider everyday dental health problems, dry mouth isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. But chronic dry mouth can be a serious issue, as it leads to bad breath, cavities, and tooth decay. If you find that you are having trouble producing saliva, it may be a good idea to look into potential causes.
There are many reasons that dry mouth, also known as Xerostomia, occurs – these are a few common ones:
- Medications
- Chronic stress
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Radiation and chemotherapy
But if none of these apply to you, there are other causes to consider. Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes a person’s white blood cells to attack glands in the body that produce moisture, including the salivary glands. Another potential cause to look into is nerve damage to the head or neck. Both of these can result in serious cases of dry mouth and immediate treatment should be sought.
To prevent common dry mouth, ensure that you’re well hydrated at all times. Avoiding coffee and other caffeinated beverages can help, as can chewing sugarless gum or sucking on a sugarless hard candy. Even steering clear of sugar and acidic food can help.
If you’re not sure whether or not you’re experiencing a brief occurrence of dry mouth or a more serious case, here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Constant thirst
- Bad breath
- Chapped lips
- Red, painful tongue
- Mouth sores and infection
If these problems persist, it’s important to make a dental appointment to find out what may be causing the Xerostomia, and if it can be easily treated. Dry mouth happens to everyone from time to time, but when it becomes serious it’s best to seek a solution. Call Southeast Dental in Markham to book your appointment, or use our online appointment form.