Dry mouth is a recognized medical condition, where your mouth produces a decreased amount of saliva on a regular basis. One of salivas roles in your mouth is to wash away food particles and bacteria after you eat. Thus chronic dry mouth increases your chance of developing tooth decay. There are several possible causes of dry mouth. Finding the primary source will help you develop an effective solution.
Many medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect. If you suspect that your dry mouth issue is related to a new medication you are taking you should talk to your doctor about your options. While you will still need to take your medication, you can do things like sip water frequently, chew sugar-free gum and reducing salt intake in your diet.
The tar and other chemicals from regular tobacco use can impede natural saliva production. If this is the case, you should talk to your doctor about finding the cessation program that is right for you. Regular alcohol consumption can also be a root cause. Alcohol is a diuretic that dehydrates you and reduces saliva production. If you consume alcohol on a regular basis you should talk to your physician about a cessation or rehabilitation program.
Oral and pharyngeal cancer can also lead to a reduction in saliva production. If you notice dry mouth associated with swelling in your mouth, neck or throat you should seek medical attention to confirm the diagnosis and discuss possible treatment options.
If you have questions or concerns about chronic dry mouth, please call us at (613) 226-4562 to schedule an appointment.