How to Treat and Prevent Dry Mouth in New South Wales

The importance of saliva in regulating oral health is often overlooked. Human saliva is a substance that not only hydrates the mouth, but also helps maintain the pH balance in the mouth, wash away acids produced by bacteria, and dislodges organic debris in the mouth that represent the ideal environment for bacterial growth. If the salivary glands are unable to function and produce sufficient saliva, the mouth becomes dry, which can trigger a range of oral health issues. Dry mouth syndrome is an extreme form of salivary gland dysfunction which results in a perpetually dry mouth. In this blog, Northern Beaches Dental in NSW discusses the risks associated with dry mouth syndrome, dry mouth causes and treatment for dry mouth.

Symptoms of Dry Mouth Syndrome

Identifying symptoms is the first step towards developing a dry mouth treatment plan. Common symptoms may include:
● A constant feeling of dryness in the mouth even after drinking water
● Saliva that feels thicker than normal
● persistent bad breath
● Difficult when speaking or while chewing and swallowing food
● A constant sore throat
● Altered sense of taste

Dry Mouth Causes

If left unaddressed, dry mouth syndrome can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Common causes for this condition are:

Medication

It is well known that certain medications are among the leading dry mouth causes. Certain medications that are prescribed for diabetes result in lower saliva production in the salivary glands. If you believe that your medication is causing dry mouth, speak to your physician immediately.

Underlying Health Conditions

Certain underlying health conditions are directly linked to dry mouth syndrome:
● Type 2 Diabetes
● Parkinson’s disease
● advanced kidney disease
● depression and anxiety disorders
● immune disorders
● Nutrient deficiency
● Anemia

Effective Remedies for Dry Mouth Treatment

Stay Hydrated

One of the easiest ways to improve salivary gland production is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Increasing water intake will reverse the effects of dehydration, which is one of the primary causes of dry mouth.

Diet and Lifestyle

Consumption of sugary foods, alcohol, caffeine and smoking increase the risks of developing dry mouth. Eliminating these habits can help reduce symptoms.

Humidifier

Extremely dry weather is a leading contributor towards dry mouth syndrome. Using a humidifier in your room, especially while you are asleep can help stimulate salivary glands and improve their function.

Sugarless Candy

Sugarless sweets immediately stimulate natural saliva production. Look for products that contain glycerin, aloe and other natural hydrating agents.

Over-The-Counter Saliva Substitutes

There are a number of over-the-counter saliva substitutes with ingredients such as xylitol, carboxymethylcellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Dry Mouth Syndrome in NSW

Is chronic dry mouth syndrome negatively impacting your life? Dry mouth is caused by a number of factors and identifying the root cause can often be a challenge. Contact Northern Beaches Dental today to talk to our team about dry mouth symptoms and let us help you develop an effective treatment plan to resolve the issue.