Lack of water or too much caffeine can easily make your mouth feel dry. However, if you’re persistently experiencing dry mouth, an underlying condition or specific issue may be present. Dry mouth’s official name is xerostomia. It is the condition of not having enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. If you struggle with dry mouth, here are three possible causes.
1. Medical Conditions
There are a number of medical conditions that can cause dry mouth. Depression, allergies, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, anemia and rheumatoid arthritis are just a few. Another is obstructive sleep apnea which is a sleep disorder. The disorder causes a person’s airway to close during sleep, causing mouth breathing and dry mouth.
Dry mouth is a side effect of some medical treatments and medications. Chemotherapy treatments for cancer can damage the salivary glands, reducing the amount of saliva. Muscle relaxants, diuretics, sedatives and cold medicines can also cause dry mouth.
2. Poor Oral Hygiene
Lifestyle and oral hygiene habits can also contribute to dryness. The more you smoke or drink, the less saliva your mouth produces. The same goes for when you don’t take proper care of your oral health, including brushing and flossing every day and maintaining routine dental exams and cleanings.
3. Food Choices
Did you know salt pulls moisture out when consumed, especially in large quantities, and can cause a drier mouth? Salty foods can quickly cause dry mouth if you don’t hydrate often. Acidic foods, spicy foods, and dry foods also fall into the category of pulling moisture from your mouth and causing the dry sensation.
Dry Mouth & Oral Health
As you can see, there are a number of reasons why you might experience dry mouth. It’s important to do what you can to stay hydrated. A dry mouth is undoubtedly uncomfortable, but it can also cause dental problems like periodontal disease and tooth decay. Having adequate saliva plays an important role in good dental health.
Comprehensive Dental Care in Austin, TX
At Southwest Smiles, our team offers a wide range of dental services, including periodontal care and routine dental exams. If you have a dry mouth or another dental concern, contact our office to schedule a visit with our team!
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