Almost everyone has dealt with dry mouth at some point. From stressful situations to sleeping with your mouth open, dry mouth can result from a number of causes. Fortunately, dry mouth can be treated many different ways. If you are dealing with dry mouth, you may want to consult with a dentist to see if your oral health is contributing to your dry mouth.
At Rockland Dental Specialists, we would be happy to address any oral health concerns you may have, including dry mouth. We can help you identify the root cause of your dry mouth and develop the best treatment route for you. Visit our team today to begin your journey to better oral health.
What Is Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth is a condition in which a person’s salivary glands do not produce enough saliva in the mouth. This can cause a person’s mouth to feel dry and almost sticky. Dry mouth also makes speaking, tasting, chewing, and even swallowing difficult for some people. Another symptom of dry mouth includes a rough tongue. Some people experience dryness in their throats as well. Having dry mouth is often uncomfortable, and it can negatively impact a person’s quality of life when it occurs frequently.
There are several different causes of dry mouth, so you may need to visit a dentist or a doctor to identify what is causing your dry mouth. Some common causes of dry mouth include:
- Stressful situations
- Sleeping with your mouth open
- Certain medications that reduce saliva production in the salivary glands
- Parkinson’s disease and diabetes
Also, if you are in the process of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, you will most likely experience dry mouth. Pinpointing the root cause of dry mouth may require the opinion of your dentist.
How Can I Treat Dry Mouth?
If you suffer from dry mouth, there are numerous steps you can take to treat and prevent the condition on your own. Dry mouth needs to be addressed because saliva is necessary for proper chewing, digestion, and overall oral health. The following are some of the most common dry mouth treatments you can implement:
- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, sugary drinks, and spicy foods
- Drinking water
- Chewing sugarless gum
- Using a humidifier
- Breathing through your nose
- Maintaining your oral health with brushing and flossing
- Avoiding mouthwashes with alcohol
- Visiting your dentist at least twice a year
The treatment options for dry mouth will also depend on what is causing the problem. If medication is causing your dry mouth, then your dentist or doctor may alter your dosage of that medication. Other treatments for dry mouth include using artificial saliva or using a medication that will assist the salivary glands in doing their job.
Contact Rockland Dental Specialists If You Want to Improve Your Oral Health Today
Dry mouth is uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Not having the proper amount of saliva in your mouth is not good for your health; therefore, you need to identify the cause of your dry mouth and treat the condition accordingly. Fortunately, there are many treatment options that are easily available to you. Additionally, a skilled dentist will be able to address your dry mouth and help you improve your overall oral health through routine visits.
Rockland Dental Specialists has a talented team of professionals who are ready to treat you. We care about delivering the best possible care to our patients. To schedule an appointment, you can call our team at (845) 400-9205 or fill out our contact form today.
