Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, occurs due to inadequate saliva flow, which is a symptom of a medical disorder or a side effect of certain medications. It can make it difficult to chew, swallow, or talk and increases the risk of developing tooth decay or fungal infections in the mouth. Saliva washes away food and other debris, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth, which offers first-line protection against microbial invasion or overgrowth.
Common problems associated with dry mouth include sore throat, burning sensation, trouble speaking, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or dry nasal passages. Sjögren's syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disorder, is also one of the causative diseases of dry mouth. Approximately 27% of the population reported dry eye or dry mouth symptoms to be present often or all the time and 4.4% reported both. The prevalence of dry mouth (but not dry eye) symptoms increased with age, female sex, and white race.
A dry mouth can be caused by side effects of some medicines, dehydration, disease, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and nerve damage. For example, people with breathing problems often use inhalers, which can cause a fungal infection called oral candidiasis. Rinsing your mouth after using your inhaler may prevent this infection. Cancer treatments also can affect oral health. To restore moisture, various methods can be used, such as using sugar-free candy or gum to stimulate saliva flow and using artificial saliva and oral rinses. For safe, effective relief of dry mouth symptoms, a product with the ADA Seal of Acceptance can be used.
When you come in for your next checkup and exam, Dr. Craig Mitchell in Cupertino can also recommend various methods to restore moisture. Here are some home remedies that we often suggest for our patients to minimize their risk of cavities associated with dry mouth:
- Using a humidifier at night
- Brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss regularly
- Avoid sticky or sugary foods and be sure to rinse your mouth right after eating those if you do
- If you use an inhaler, or are taking syrup-based medicines, be sure to rinse your mouth with water right afterward
- Look for sugar-free lozenges that stimulate saliva flow, and use sugar-free cough drops, vitamins, antacid tablets, or gum
- Limits your intake of drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, or sodas
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco which both can dry out the mouth
- Use alcohol-free mouth rinses
- Frozen melon or cucumber placed in between the teeth and the cheek can often help stimulate saliva flow.
- Look for mints or gums that are sugar-free or contain xylitol or aloe to help hydrate the mouth.
- There are also saliva substitutes such as Biotene which have been helpful for some of our patients.
In conclusion, dry mouth can cause discomfort, difficulty in performing daily activities, and increase the risk of tooth decay and fungal infections. The underlying causes of dry mouth should be identified and treated accordingly. Patients should inform their dentists and doctors of all medications they are taking, and proper oral hygiene should be maintained to prevent further complications.
If you think you may have a dry mouth, please give our Silicon Valley office a call at 408-255-9422 today!