Dry mouth isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s also bad for your health. Saliva acts as a natural cleaning agent, clearing away bits of food and bacteria. It also helps to balance the pH in your mouth, ensuring it doesn’t get too acidic. Acids can wear down the enamel on your teeth, increasing your risk for cavities. Here, the team at Nayaug Family Dental in South Glastonbury, CT, explain what might be to blame for your dry mouth.

3 Causes of Dry Mouth & Their Solutions

1. Medications 

You’ve most likely read advertisements or seen TV commercials for prescriptions that come with a list of side effects. Dry mouth is a common result of many medications. Talk to your doctor about alternatives. 

2. Stress & Anxiety

When you are stressed and anxious, you may experience a decreased flow of saliva to the mouth. Breathe in through your nose when you’re feeling nervous, as mouth breathing can further dry you out. 

3. Medical Conditions

Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of health conditions, including diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and autoimmune illnesses like HIV/AIDS. These ailments are quite serious and require proactive management. This is part of the reason why you must have dry mouth checked out by a healthcare professional. 

If you’re staying hydrated and still suffering from dry mouth, one of these underlying causes may be to blame. Talk to your dentist to get a definitive diagnosis. They can prescribe solutions like special mouthwashes or fluoride trays to prevent decay. 

Chewing sugar-free gum may also help increase the flow of your saliva.

For assistance, trust Nayaug Family Dental. Dr. Brian Chiffer and his team are committed to giving the best care possible, providing personalized service tailored to each patient’s needs. Whether you need dentures, implants or are interested in veneers, they can help. You can see what their patients have to say online.

For an appointment, call (860) 633-6167.