Creating a constant feeling of thirst and irritation, dry mouth is certainly an uncomfortable condition. But this common problem is more than just unpleasant—it can contribute to a wide variety of oral health problems. If you’ve ever had it, here are a few important details to know about it and how a dentist can help you find relief.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

In general, dry mouth occurs due to decreased saliva production. Not drinking enough water is one common reason this happens, as the body is depleted of essential fluids. Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol or coffee, and breathing with your mouth open are also activities that can contribute to the issue.

In other cases, dry mouth develops as a result of other health problems. For example, many medications produce a side effect that impacts the salivary glands’ abilities. Chronic dry mouth may also be a symptom of an underlying medical issue, such as diabetes, oral cancer, anemia, and high blood pressure. The condition also commonly occurs later in life, as salivary gland activity diminishes with age.  

How Does Dry Mouth Harm Your Oral Health?

Saliva plays a very important role in your everyday oral health. Specifically, it keeps the mouth moist to inhibit the growth of harmful oral bacteria. It also helps rinse away bacteria-filled plaque and food debris from the teeth and gums.

When low saliva production allows bacteria to thrive, individuals are at a higher risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and tooth infections.

How Can a Dentist Help Treat Dry Mouth?

There are many ways your dentist can help you combat dry mouth. For example, they may recommend the use of a special mouth rinse that promotes moisture. In other cases, medication may be prescribed to stimulate saliva production. Depending on the underlying cause, a dentist may also suggest making certain lifestyle changes to ease symptoms—such as drinking water regularly, chewing sugar-free gum, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, and eating foods that promote saliva production.

When dry mouth is putting your everyday comfort and oral health at risk, Arrow Dental Care has the resources to help you find relief. Serving patients in the St. Charles County area, this dentist can help identify causes of your symptoms and introduce you to simple solutions to restore saliva production. This clinic also offers comprehensive treatments and oral surgery services to address problems caused by dry mouth—including cavities, infection, and gum disease. For more information on these services, visit this provider online. To schedule a convenient appointment for routine or emergency dentistry, call (636) 220-7770 to speak with the Ellisville, MO, team or (636) 441-6999 to reach the St. Peters office.