Many people think of dry mouth as nothing more than an inconvenience, but the truth is that it can lead to serious oral health issues if you don’t take care of it. Read on to learn the symptoms of dry mouth, what they can mean, and what you can do about it.
The symptoms of dry mouth
Most people think of dry mouth as simply a mouth that’s dry. They may chug beverages to treat it, which can be a good idea – as long as those drinks don’t have caffeine. Why? Because caffeine can actually increase dry mouth. Other things that can increase it include drinking beverages with alcohol and smoking.
Dry mouth can come on very gradually and you may not notice it until you have one or more of the following symptoms:
- A dry feeling on your tongue.
- A sticky feeling on your tongue.
- A dry feeling in your throat.
- Dry and cracked lips.
- A burning feeling in your mouth.
Dry mouth can increase the chance of sores and infections in your gums.
Is dry mouth really that serious?
Remember that saliva is there for a reason: It helps your mouth stay healthy. On an average day, your body products anywhere from two to four pints of saliva. It makes it easier for you to chew your food and can help reduce the symptoms of bad breath. People who have dentures also need saliva to keep their dentures in place.
Not having enough saliva can lead to a condition that’s called xerostomia, which can increase your chances of several oral health problems including:
- Gum disease.
- Tooth decay.
- Oral thrush.
As you can see, these are serious oral health issues that warrant immediate care.
How to prevent dry mouth
The best way to prevent dry mouth is to drink plenty of fluids. At California Dental Group, we’d like to see each of our patients drink the recommend eight glasses of water every day. Remember that caffeinated or alcoholic drinks can actual make your mouth drier. It’s also important to remember that when you’re sweating, you’re burning off moisture, and that includes saliva. If it’s a hot day, or you’re active in sports or exercising, then you need extra water for a number of reasons – including combating dry mouth.
The best way to ensure you’re getting plenty of water is to always make sure you have water handy. Many people simply grab a can of soda because it’s handy. If you have several bottles of water handy in your fridge, then you’ll be more likely to grab that hydrating liquid. This doesn’t mean you have to buy plastic bottles of water. Instead, invest in a few good quality water bottles that you can use over and over again.
If you have questions about dry mouth, or your oral health in general, then California Dental Group is here to help. Call us today at 800-407-0161 to set up an appointment.
