Dry mouth is a common problem that many patients experience at some point and most of the time, it resolves on its own. When dry mouth lasts longer than a week, it is considered a chronic condition and requires treatment.
The medical term for dry mouth is xerostomia and there are a number of factors that can cause or trigger dry mouth. If your dentist suspects that your dry mouth is due to an underlying medical condition.
A lot of medications like those prescribed for high blood pressure, anxiety or depression, antihistamines, all have a dry mouth as a side effect. Additionally, patients who are going through cancer treatments may have a hard time with dry mouth. A number of autoimmune disorders also cause dry mouth such as HIV/AIDS and Sjögren's syndrome. It is important to understand what is causing your dry mouth so that any medical conditions can be treated otherwise dry mouth will be harder to resolve.
How is xerostomia treated?
Depending on the cause of your dry mouth, there are a number of steps you can take to help your symptoms. Your dentist can help suggest oral care products that are specifically designed to relieve dry mouth symptoms such as saliva substitutes which come in drops or sprays, and nasal washes that keep the nasal passage moist which also helps relieve dry mouth. You may also be a candidate for a prescription medication to treat xerostomia.
Dehydration is another cause of dry mouth so make sure to stay hydrated and take small sips of water throughout the day. Glycerin or glycerol is an expensive, flavorless ingredient that attracts and retains moisture. If you put a few drops of glycerin in your water, you can swish it around and spit it out or make an oral spray and use as needed, then you do not have to spit it out.
Patients also have success with use of a cool or warm mist humidifier, depending on your personal preference. Using a humidifier when you sleep at night or in your workspace during the day not only helps keep your skin hydrated, but also relieves symptoms of dry mouth and dry nasal passages.
Certain foods are also great for dry mouth! Melons and cucumber are rich in water and can even be frozen and sucked on like an ice chip. Papaya has an enzyme called papain that helps digest proteins and stimulate saliva production, which you can get in tablet form.
Saliva production naturally increases when we eat, so having something in your mouth can trigger that production. Sugarless candy, lozenges, or gum are all great ways to avoid any irritation and help relieve symptoms of dry mouth throughout the day.
There are also things you can do to prevent dry mouth! Alcohol to further dry out the mouth so it might be useful to avoid caffeine and alcohol as well as utilizing alcohol-free mouthwashes.
If you notice any changes in D so either production in your mouth, it is important to bring it to the attention of your dentist as soon as possible so they can help you determine the underlying cause of your dry mouth and begin treatment.