Although it’s not necessarily painful or life-threatening, dry mouth is still an unpleasant condition to deal with. While several remedies for dry mouth are often successful, the various causes of the condition can make it difficult to know which remedy might work best for you or when you should see your dentist about it.
To help you get to the bottom of your dry mouth issues and achieve optimal oral health, we’ve created this easy guide to its symptoms, causes, and potential remedies.
Dry Mouth Symptoms
Dry mouth is more than just dryness in your mouth. Its symptoms can include:
- Constant or frequent thirst
- Stickiness and dryness in the mouth
- Dry and/or sore throat
- Difficulty tasting, chewing, or swallowing
- Mouth sores
- Cracked lips
- Hoarse voice
- Bad breath (halitosis)
Many of these symptoms can be annoying or painful. Dry mouth can also lead to higher likelihood of new cavity development.
What Causes Dry Mouth?
There are several reasons why you may be experiencing dry mouth, including:
- Dehydration
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Chewing tobacco
- Mouth breathing
- Certain diseases and infections
- Certain medications
- Nerve damage
- Aging
For more information on potential causes of your dry mouth, reach out to your dentist today.
Dry Mouth Remedies
Some ways in which you can treat dry mouth include:
- Drinking water regularly
- Use mouth rinses specific for Dry Mouth- Biotene
- Breathing through the nose
- Switching medications
- Limiting caffeine intake
- Chewing sugar-free gum
- Using sugar free hard candy-lemon drops
- Using OTC saliva substitutes
- Using a humidifier
- Avoiding tobacco
While any number of these may work for you, remember that your best bet for determining the cause of your dry mouth and finding an effective solution is to speak with your dentist about it.
Do You Suffer from Severe Dry Mouth?
Piper Family Dentistry can help. Contact us today by calling (727) 548-7100.
Dr. Piper is a General and Cosmetic Dentist who has proudly served Pinellas County since 1993. Both he and his team of professionals provide high quality, gentle dental care in a relaxed, personalized, and caring environment. Treating patients like family sets his practice apart from others.
