Dry Mouth.

Dry mouth (dentists call it xerostomia) affects about one in four adults, mostly the elderly. Saliva, the fluid that wets our mouth, has many other functions besides providing moisture. It contains enzymes to begin digestion, controls the acidity which contributes to dental decay and even helps us taste food. People with dry mouth can suffer from increased dental decay, denture sores and bad breath.

Signs of dry mouth—a dry or sticky feeling in the mouth, constant thirst, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, dry nasal passages, cracked lips, sensitive teeth and bad breath. Add this to increased dental decay, bleeding gums and periodontal disease.

What are the main causes? – Up to 90% of cases are caused by prescription and non-prescription medications. No wonder the elderly are the main victims of dry mouth. The worst offenders are antihistamines for allergies, antidepressants, painkillers, diuretics and antihypertensives for blood pressure, tranquilizers and decongestants. Chemotherapy can also cause it as well as diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and mumps. Lifestyle choices like smoking, alcohol and caffeine can also contribute to dry mouth.

What can you do about it?—If you cannot control or alter the cause, you can try to manage the symptoms. Cleaning your teeth regularly will help. Chewing gum with zylitol in it to stimulate saliva but not increase risk of dental decay is good as well as mouth sprays with xylitol. Drink lots of water and avoid high alcohol mouth washes.

If you believe you have dry mouth, don’t hesitate to ask us for help. Early detection will make a big difference.

Yours for better dental health… Dr. Ken Southward

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