A low flow of saliva often causes dry mouth. This condition is called Xerostomia (zero-STOW-me-uh). Saliva coats and moistens our tongue, cheeks, and the surfaces of our teeth. In the process, the liquid cleanses the mouth and helps digest food as it is being chewed. Drinking water is a great habit, but it may not be enough if you suffer from this chronic condition.
Causes of Xerostomia
A consistently dry mouth can result from other health issues or the treatments of those issues. But, the most common cause of dry mouth is medication. While prescribed medicines can cause dryness, there are over 500 over-the-counter medications that are offenders. Most of these medicines are for colds, allergies, pain, high blood pressure, depression, and asthma.
Relief from Xerostomia
Of course, treatment of this condition may depend on the cause. Mentioning the side effects of the medicine could result in another medicine without the drying attribute. Other ways to manage dry mouth include:
. Sipping water more frequently during the day
. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candy
. Sucking ice chips (DO NOT crunch the ice with your teeth)
. Using a humidifier to moisten the air
. Avoid alcohol
. Apply lip ointments frequently
. Avoid all tobacco products
Protect your teeth from unnecessary decay by increasing your saliva
It is important to control your dry mouth symptoms because cavities can occur without enough saliva. Brush twice a day for two minutes and clean in between your teeth once. Ask us with you think you suffer from Xerostomia