A dry mouth is more than just a minor annoyance. If your mouth is constantly dry, your oral health may suffer. Fortunately, your Salem, OR, dentist, Dr. Igor Sitnik of Sitnik Dental can offer treatments and recommendations that will reduce your uncomfortable symptoms.
How dry mouth can affect your oral health
Saliva not only keeps your mouth moist and comfortable but also:
- Washes away food particles
- Neutralizes acids that can cause cavities
- Rebuilds weak areas of tooth enamel
- Prevents bacteria from building up in your mouth, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease
- Makes it easier to pronounce sounds
- Enhances your sense of taste
- Moistens and breaks down food, making it easier to swallow
Common causes of dry mouth
Nearly everyone suffers from dry mouth from time to time. Your mouth may feel dry if you're nervous, dehydrated, breath with your mouth open, or smoke. Other causes of dry mouth include:
- Medication Side Effects: A variety of medications, including those used to treat allergies, acne, depression, high blood pressure, and asthma, can cause dry mouth.
- Health Conditions: You may be more likely to experience dry mouth if you have rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, HIV/AIDS, anemia, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
- Nerve Damage: An injury to your head or neck may affect your ability to produce saliva.
- Cancer Treatments: Did your dry mouth start after you had cancer treatment? Chemotherapy and radiation to the head and neck can cause dry mouth.
Dry mouth treatments
During your visit to the Issaquah dental office, your dentist may recommend one or more of these dry mouth strategies and treatments:
- Improving your hydration by drinking more water
- Using a humidifier to increase moisture in the air
- Asking your doctor if you can switch to medication less likely to cause dry mouth
- Trying an over-the-counter saliva substitute
- Enhancing saliva production by chewing sugar-free gum
- Recommending moisturizing gels, toothpaste, and mouth rinses that help dry mouth
- Prescribing an oral rinse or medication that increases the production of saliva
Do you struggle with dry mouth? Call your dentist in Salem, OR, Dr. Sitnik of Sitnik Dental, at (503) 363-5962 to schedule an appointment.