Dry Mouth
Dry Mouth Is A Diagnosable And Treatable Condition
Everyone has experienced dry mouth at some point, but did you know that persistent dry mouth – known as xerostomia – is a diagnosable and treatable condition? Persistent dry mouth is not only annoying, it can have serious effects on your oral and overall health. That is because the saliva that coats your mouth not only cleanses and protects your teeth, it also begins the digestive process, as it is full of enzymes that begin the breakdown of food.
So, if you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms:
- Dry feeling in the mouth
- Constant quench for water
- Sores, split skin or cracked lips
- Dry throat
- Red, raw tongue
- Bad breath
It is imperative that you see a dentist right away. Left untreated, dry mouth can lead to gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay and other oral infections, including thrush.
Treatments for dry mouth are simple and can include consuming sugar-free candy or gum and drinking plenty of water. Utilizing a vaporizer may also help alleviate symptoms. For those that have endured surgical procedures and the removal of salivary glands, there are over-the-counter saliva substitutes available. Some prescriptions can also cause dry mouth, so it is important to discuss these with your doctors.
If you are experiencing persistent dry mouth, please contact us today. We will be happy to talk through possible causes and treatments and get you back to full oral health and smiling again. Call our Gainesville or Braselton offices at 678-582-8099.