You might not always notice your saliva, but when you don’t have enough of it, you’ll develop an uncomfortable condition known as dry mouth. Estimated to impact as much as 64% of the population, this problem—also known as xerostomia—is fairly prevalent. In some cases, drinking water is all you might need to relieve the problem, but if dry mouth is chronic, it can be harder to treat and increase your risk of oral health issues. If you experience persistent xerostomia, here is what you should know about treating it—and why it’s important to speak with your dentist.

A Simple Guide to Treating Dry Mouth

Why is it important to address dry mouth?

A dry mouth is an ideal environment for oral bacteria. When there are more bacteria in your mouth, you’ll face a higher risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral infections. Dry mouth may also be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires further treatment.

What can cause dry mouth?

Short-term cases are usually due to being dehydrated or consuming beverages that dry out the mouth, such as alcohol or coffee. If you sleep with your mouth open, waking up with dryness may also be common. Many people who smoke cigarettes also experience the problem regularly.

In other situations, the use of certain medications—such as decongestants, antidepressants, and diuretics—can promote the problem. Some medical treatments—such as chemotherapy—can also impair the body’s ability to produce saliva properly.

If the above-listed causes have been ruled out, your dentist may find that dry mouth is due to an underlying health problem. Common issues that produce xerostomia as a symptom include Sjögren’s syndrome, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, hypertension, and nerve damage.

How is dry mouth treated?

Early on, your dentist may recommend making several lifestyle changes to reduce the likelihood of dry mouth. For example, they may suggest quitting smoking, avoiding caffeinated drinks, and consuming more water each day. To help maintain proper moisture, it may be helpful to use over-the-counter hydrating mouth drops or mouthwashes that stimulate saliva production. If the issue is a symptom of another condition, your dentist may encourage you to speak with a doctor about diagnosing and treating the underlying cause.

If you have concerns about dry mouth, Judy Walker, DDS, offers comprehensive dental care to help. Serving the Greensboro, NC, community for more than two decades, Dr. Walker understands how to detect xerostomia and identify possible causes. Through gentle oral exams, this local dentist will help pinpoint the source of your dry mouth and develop a custom treatment plan to improve saliva production. You can also count on this provider to comfortably treat many oral health issues caused by dry mouth, including gum disease and tooth decay. For more details on these services, visit this general dentistry clinic online. To schedule a convenient appointment, call (336) 275-1472.