Dry Mouth Due To Medication Is A Concern

Many times a dry feeling in the mouth simply indicates that you are thirsty or slightly dehydrated and simply need to grab a drink of water. However, persistent dry mouth is a concern that needs to be addressed by your dentist.

Advances in modern medicine have allowed many people to heal and regain health by taking specialized drugs. However, these medications are often not without unwanted side effects, one of the most common being dry mouth. Xerostomia, a lack of saliva in the mouth, is commonly referred to as “dry mouth,” and it can produce grave consequences to oral health.

The absence of saliva greatly increases the risk of tooth decay and injury to the tissues inside the mouth. Saliva works to hydrate, “plump up,” and keep the blood oxygen level of the mouth at a constant and moving level. If saliva is not present, the mouth becomes a stagnant habitat for the extreme growth of bacteria. Saliva works hard to neutralize the acids in the mouth to combat the damage that decay produces. When tissues within the mouth become too dry, it is much easier for them to become injured even with the bristles of your toothbrush.

At Family & Cosmetic Dental Care, we are here to help you find a solution to dry mouth so that together we can promote optimal oral health. Chewing sugar-free gum and sucking on lozenges can help to increase the production of saliva. Using lip balm can keep the lips moisturized and combat the negative effect of dry and cracked lips. It is also important to increase your intake of water in order to hydrate the entire body. It is recommended that each person drink 8-10 glasses of water per day to stay properly hydrated. If you are falling short of this intake goal, make it a priority to do this.

Together, we will help find a solution to your dry mouth. If changing medications is not an option, we will find a solution that works. If your oral health care habits need to be changed, we will create a plan that works for you so that you can stick with it and have success. We are a family dental practice that cares about your health. Call us today.

Posted by Mitul Patel DDS, Family & Cosmetic Dental Care
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