Dry mouth can be more than a hassle. It can jeopardize your oral health. The medical issue is referred to as xerostomia, which happens when your salivary glands do not produce as much saliva as they should. And let’s be real. Saliva is doing more than keeping your mouth from being as dry as the desert. Saliva helps with digestion, keeps the bad bacteria from getting out of control, and even helps protect your teeth from decay.
If you experience dry mouth all the time, it is worth noting the symptoms in their early stages.
Signs and symptoms of dry mouth
- Persistent Dryness or Stickiness: That dry, parched, or sticky mouth? One of the most obvious symptoms of dry mouth is that it is unpleasant to speak and eat.
- Excessive Thirst: You might find yourself taking more trips to the water bottle than you usually do, and your body might be trying to compensate for the lack of saliva.
- Difficulty in Chewing and Swallowing: Saliva plays a key role in food breakdown, so food can be swallowed and chewed more easily. Meals can be problematic if there is not enough saliva.
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- Bad Breath (Halitosis): Nobody likes bad breath, but dry mouth makes it worse. When there is no saliva to wash them away, they build up and give off odors.
- Sore Throat and Hoarseness: Dry mouth can also lead to a dry throat, which is sore to speak and, from time to time, makes your voice hoarse.
- Cracked lips and mouth sores: If your lips are constantly dry, chapped, or cracked, or if you have mouth sores, a lack of saliva could be the culprit.
- Altered Sense of Taste: Food just doesn’t taste as good? Dry mouth may affect your sense of taste, so that food tastes unpleasant or less intense.
What can you do?
If dry mouth is interfering with your ability to wear dentures, speak, or eat, it is worth a trip to the dentist. They can prescribe treatments, including saliva substitutes or altering your oral hygiene regimen. Drinking lots of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and using a humidifier during the night can also help to keep your mouth moist.
Final Thoughts
If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, don’t brush them off. Your healthcare provider or dentist can help you learn how to manage dry mouth and keep your smile healthy.