If you have recently experienced bad breath, difficulty swallowing, or an overall sticky feeling in your mouth and throat, you may be living with chronic dry mouth. Dry mouth is a fairly common condition among American adults, resulting from inadequate saliva production. Although the condition is not considered a dental emergency, it may cause discomfort and lead to other health issues. 

Continue reading as Jerry A Laws, DDS, a family dentist in Lexington, NC, explains the causes and complications of dry mouth and how the condition can be treated: 

Causes

As previously stated, dry mouth is the result of inadequate saliva production, but this can be caused by many factors. Dehydration, as the result of overheating or not drinking enough water, may limit the production of saliva as the body works to preserve moisture. Certain medications, such as anti-depressants and pain relievers, may also cause dry mouth. Lifestyle choices, including alcohol consumption and tobacco use, have been linked to limited saliva production. However, the condition may also be the result of aging, as the body has a more difficult time naturally producing moisture.

Complications

The complications of living with dry mouth are moderate. Dry mouth significantly increases the risk of caries, which is a large concern.  Some people may experience bad breath or difficulty swallowing, while others may develop a hoarse or raspy voice. Dry or cracked lips and a sore throat are also common symptoms. In more severe cases, a person may have a discolored or grooved tongue, or they may have a hard time wearing dentures.

Treatment Options 

In most cases, it’s fairly simple to treat dry mouth. For those who are dehydrated, drinking more water or chewing sugar-free gum can help to ease some of the symptoms. Visiting your dentist for a teeth cleaning can also help to remove some of the built-up plaque in your mouth, which could be aggravating the condition. In more serious cases, a doctor may prescribe medications or tablets, which help stimulate saliva production and mitigate many of the symptoms of dry mouth.

If you are living with dry mouth and would like to schedule a consultation with a dentist, contact the office of Jerry A Laws DDS or Caitlin L. Miller, DMD by calling (336) 249-7708. For more information on the other general and cosmetic dentistry services offered by this practice, visit them online.